Philadelphia Eagles Jalen Hurts
“Players Don’t Fake Blood Clots”: RGIII Fires Back at NFL Analyst Over Jalen Hurts Comments After Lung Diagnosis 1
Jalen Hurts was sidelined again as the Philadelphia Eagles fell 25-14 to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The loss stretched their losing streak to four games. His absence now carries far heavier meaning than anyone first believed. Now a well-known former NFL quarterback has entered the heated debate around him, and his message is hard to miss.
RGIII defends Jalen Hurts after Michael Robinson’s comments
Robert Griffin III used X on Monday to defend Hurts and push back on NFL Network analyst Michael Robinson. Griffin said Hurts is fighting for his life with blood clots in his lungs and called Robinson’s questions about his motives unethical and dangerous.
Griffin added bluntly, “Players don’t fake blood clots.”
Jalen Hurts is fighting for his life with multiple deep vein thrombosis blood clots in his lungs and a blood clot that traveled from his leg to his lungs.
This is why Michael Robinson’s questioning of his motives for being held out of a game were unethical and dangerous.
Players don’t fake blood clots.
Let’s all pray for Jalen Hurts 🙏🏾 https://t.co/kP21892uRA
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) October 19, 2026
The criticism traces back to Robinson’s appearance on NFL GameDay Kickoff last Thursday. The Eagles had just ruled Hurts out for the Panthers game with what they called a superficial clot in his left calf.
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) drops back to pass during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Robinson admitted he had no inside information but said the team seemed to be pinning the season on Hurts.
“If I’m just playing devil’s advocate here, and I’m thinking that way, if I’m Jalen Hurts or anybody in Jalen Hurts camp, I’m saying, ‘Well, if everybody’s hurt, I’m hurt too,” he then said.
The situation then grew far more serious. The Eagles announced that further testing revealed deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, and Hurts is reportedly ruled out for the season.
He is on blood thinners and cannot take part in contact activities, including football, while he recovers. Sports medicine doctor Brian Sutterer had warned this outcome was possible.
Meanwhile, Robinson officially apologized on X Monday, admitting his comments were wrong and offering no excuse.
“I want to sincerely apologize to Jalen Hurts, his family, the Philadelphia Eagles organization and fan base for my comments last Thursday,” Robinson’s statement read. “They were unfounded and I never should’ve speculated on a health issue of a player nor his commitment to his team.”
My official apology to @JalenHurts @Eagles and the entire fanbase. My comments were wrong. No excuse. https://t.co/fhHW2VFT39
— Michael Robinson (@RealMikeRob) October 20, 2026
Questions are also growing about how the Eagles handled his health in London.
Fans question Eagles’ handling of Jalen Hurts in London game
The anger centers on the decision to let Hurts play against the Jaguars. The Eagles defended the call, saying their medical staff and doctors in London reviewed the ultrasound and concluded he could play safely.
Even so, Hurts did not take the field until just before kickoff and rode a stationary bike between series, yet he still finished 21 of 40 for 220 yards and a touchdown in the 19-17 loss.
Many fans now argue the team took an unnecessary risk, and some also criticized the delay before placing him on injured reserve. Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, offered a calmer outlook on X, saying his prognosis is very good and she expects him to return to contact football once he is off blood thinners.
That outlook offers hope for the future, but Hurts 2026 season stands at 933 passing yards, eight touchdown passes and three interceptions across five starts.
Philadelphia now turns to Monday Night Football on October 26, when it hosts the Dallas Cowboys. Both teams share identical records, and the Eagles must find answers at quarterback without Hurts, who remains on blood thinners. Dallas arrives needing a win just as badly.
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