Jalen Hurts wanted to play in Week 5, and the Philadelphia Eagles let him. But after a blood clot discovered in London developed into a far more serious condition, that decision is now facing uncomfortable questions.
Former Eagles linebacker Emmanuel Acho believes the conversation should not center on Hurts' toughness or coach Nick Sirianni, but on the medical professionals who cleared the quarterback to take the field.
Speaking on "Speakeasy," Acho argued that Philadelphia's handling of Hurts' initial blood clot diagnosis raises concerns about possible medical malpractice. He said the quarterback's willingness to compete should not distract from the responsibility of the people tasked with protecting his health.
"I've sued the Philadelphia Eagles and won over an injury before. And Jalen Hurts could do the same thing and win because there is malpractice going on from a medical care perspective," Acho said.
He pointed to the risks athletes take when they are determined to play through injuries, arguing that medical professionals must sometimes protect players from their own competitive instincts.
Acho cited the use of independent neurologists in concussion cases as an example of why player safety cannot rest on an athlete's willingness to continue.
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"So I will not credit Jalen Hurts' toughness. I will indict the medical professionals who allowed Jalen Hurts, even though he had a superficial clot, to play in the game," he said.
Hurts' medical concerns began after he was cleated in the left calf during the Oct. 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams. An ultrasound in London revealed a superficial blood clot before Philadelphia faced the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 11. Despite the diagnosis, Hurts was cleared to play, with medical staff reportedly citing the importance of activity and mobility.
Acho also questioned the circumstances surrounding Hurts' sleep before the game. Reports indicated that the quarterback spent much of the night in a hospital, where doctors reportedly advised him to remain awake as a precaution.
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Acho argued that depriving an athlete of rest before a full-contact game made the decision even harder to understand.
"Let's remove the clot from the entirety of the situation. We know the value of sleep on physical recovery, mental recovery, emotional recovery, and overall health," Acho said. "You directed Jalen Hurts to avoid the greatest nutrient the body can access and play in a game. Make that make sense."
The situation worsened after Hurts returned to Philadelphia. A follow-up ultrasound showed that the clot had moved, and further testing revealed deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, meaning clots had reached arteries in both lungs.
Hurts was placed on injured reserve and began taking blood thinners, effectively ruling him out for the rest of the season because of the risk of bleeding from contact.
Acho was clear about whom he wants to hear from.
"It's negligence. It's malpractice. And people need to answer the question. And it's not Nick Sirianni," he said. "I need some medical professionals employed by the Philadelphia Eagles to step up to the plate and answer the question. This is bigger than football."
Hurts has been reported as clinically stable, with a full recovery expected. Acho's demand, however, is for the Eagles' medical staff to explain the decisions that preceded the quarterback's appearance in London.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network .
