Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) hugs quarterback Jalen Hurts (1)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) hugs quarterback Jalen Hurts (1)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts felt pain in his calf on October 8. He played a game in London on October 11. Doctors first thought it was a small blood clot, but later tests showed dangerous clots in his deep leg veins and lungs.
NFL: Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles
Oct 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate win against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Reportedly, Hurts was at the hospital until 4:00 a.m. and stayed awake for 36 hours before the game. But NFL executive Jeff Miller said this was not true and that Hurts slept 7 to 8 hours.
A.J. Brown Breaks Silence on Jalen Hurts’ Medical Situation
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown played four seasons in Philadelphia with Hurts and won Super Bowl LVII. On Tuesday, he spoke at a press conference to support his former teammate.
“I’m in the news just like you all,” Brown said. “Just getting the news. It’s a tough situation, man got a lot of love, respect for him. Praying for him. Didn’t know how serious it was. I think all of us kind of found that out, but he’s a tough guy. He can handle anything. And I don’t mean that no lightly.”
“I know that was a serious, but he can handle it, and I pray God continue to keep his hand on them. So, it’s a lot of love and respect from this way. So, speed of recovery.”
Hurts is out for the rest of the 2026 season because he is on the injured list. He needs blood thinners to heal, so he cannot play football until a doctor clears him. While the players’ union looks into this, the league continues to move toward Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027.
#Patriots WR AJ Brown on Jalen Hurts’ health situation:
“It’s a tough situation. I got a lot of love and respect for him. I’m praying for him. … He’s a tough guy, and he can handle anything. … I pray God continues to keep His hand on him. It’s a lot of love.” 🙏 https://t.co/vt7W0gOG2W pic.twitter.com/UqSJJCPNSt
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 21, 2026
In support of the team’s actions, NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills said that, “I have complete confidence in the Eagles’ medical staff and their handling of this situation, and I would characterize their work as very conservative, very patient-focused and appropriately guarded at every step.”
Meanwhile, the NFLPA issued its official stance: “Before conclusions are drawn about how this situation was handled, there must be a full investigation into what occurred. Determining the facts is essential to ensuring players receive the highest level of care and protection going forward.”
On Wednesday, Stephen A. Smith called the situation terrible and said Eagles GM Howie Roseman needs to explain what happened. That same day, Commissioner Roger Goodell said the NFL is happy to cooperate with the union’s investigation.
On Sunday, the Eagles lost to the Carolina Panthers 25-14 in their first game back after a health scare. Meanwhile, A.J. Brown and the New England Patriots beat the New York Jets 26-19.
An Uphill Battle to Survive for the Eagles Without Jalen Hurts
The Eagles are in second place in the NFC East, behind the New York Giants. After losing 25-14 to the Carolina Panthers in Week 6, they stand at 2-4. With Hurts out, third-year quarterback Tanner McKee is the new starter.
Rookie Cole Payton from North Dakota State is the primary backup, and the team signed Joe Milton III from the Dallas Cowboys practice squad for extra depth.
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