NFLPA demands a full investigation into Jalen Hurts' medical care as the NFL defends the Eagles

The NFL Players Association wants answers about how the Philadelphia Eagles handled Jalen Hurts' blood clot.

The union issued a statement Tuesday night calling for a "full investigation" into the medical care the quarterback received. It came hours after the league's top doctor defended the team and reports said the Eagles would not be disciplined.

What the union said

"The NFLPA is not aware of any NFL investigation into the medical care provided to Jalen Hurts. In fact, the league previously informed the union that it did not plan to review the care he received," the statement read.

"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."

The league pushes back

Earlier Tuesday, NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills strongly defended the process at a news conference during the owners' meetings.

"The notion that there's external factors that any of our physicians would put a player in harm's way -- that's nonsense," Sills said. He called the Eagles' treatment of Hurts "very conservative, very patient-focused and appropriately guarded in every step."

Jeff Miller, the NFL executive who oversees player health and safety, called the outside speculation "considerable and uninformed." He said, "Conservative steps were taken to ensure Jalen Hurts' health was always made the first priority and continues to be."

League officials said they stayed in contact with the Eagles' medical staff and Cleveland Clinic London throughout Hurts' treatment. They declined to discuss details of his case, citing medical privacy.

How it unfolded

An ultrasound in London on Oct. 10 found a superficial blood clot in Hurts' calf. The Eagles said their doctors and London specialists decided activity and mobility were important and that he could safely play the next day against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

A follow-up ultrasound back in Philadelphia showed the clot had moved. The team then ruled him out against the Carolina Panthers. On Monday, the Eagles and Hurts' agent, Nicole Lynn, said he has deep vein thrombosis and blood clots in both lungs.

Hurts, 28, is expected to miss the rest of the season. He is on blood thinners. The team has said it expects him to make a full recovery.

Coach Nick Sirianni has said the health of his players is always at the front of his mind and that he has full faith in the team's medical staff. Tanner McKee is now the Eagles' starting quarterback.