Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the NFL season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and blood clots in both lungs, ESPN and NFL Network reported. In an Oct. 19 statement, the Philadelphia Eagles said the quarterback is clinically stable, has no significant functional limitations and is expected to recover fully. He requires blood thinners, however, which rule out contact football while he takes them.
DVT is a clot in a deep vein, commonly in a leg. Unlike a superficial clot, it can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. Leg pain, swelling and discoloration can be warning signs. Unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood or fainting may signal a lung clot and warrant emergency care. Symptoms can also be mild or absent.
Doctors generally use ultrasound to detect DVT and a specialized CT scan to identify pulmonary embolisms. They assess oxygen levels, blood pressure and heart function to determine severity. Treatment often involves anticoagulants, which prevent clots from growing and new clots from forming while the body gradually breaks down existing clots. Some patients need hospitalization or more intensive procedures; others can receive treatment at home.
Anticoagulant treatment generally lasts at least three months. Whether it continues depends on the likelihood of another clot and the risk of bleeding. A clot linked to a temporary factor, such as surgery, may require a different plan from one with no clear cause or an ongoing risk factor.
Recovery varies. Doctors often encourage walking as tolerated, but contact sports pose bleeding risks during treatment. Some patients experience persistent leg swelling or breathing difficulties and may need continued care and treatment. For travelers, periodic movement can help keep blood flowing during long flights; people recovering from a clot should consult their doctors before flying.