Hurts struck in calf, clot discovered

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was struck in the calf during an October fourth game. An ultrasound in London four days later revealed a superficial blood clot.

Hurts initially cleared to play

Despite the clot discovery, doctors cleared Hurts to play in the Eagles' game in London the next day after the ultrasound revealed the superficial blood clot.

Follow-up scan changes everything

A follow-up ultrasound Wednesday night revealed movement in the small blood clot. The Eagles announced Thursday that Hurts would miss Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers.

“movement in the small blood clot”

Superficial vs deep vein clots

Superficial clots form in veins near the skin and can feel like a pencil or knot underneath. Deep vein thrombosis involves clots farther inside the body with more widespread swelling and pain.

“It's like a pencil underneath the skin, or a knot”

When superficial clots turn dangerous

Many superficial clots improve without blood thinners. But sometimes a clot grows into deeper veins, and a piece can break off and travel to the lungs, causing a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

How injuries cause blood clots

An injury can damage a vein. Veins near the skin have less cushioning when someone takes a hit. A clot can form within hours of injury or develop over several days.

Treatment and athlete concerns

Some superficial clots need blood thinners to prevent growth, usually for several weeks. But blood thinners raise risks for athletes: another hit or injury causing bleeding becomes much more dangerous in football's constant contact.

Warning signs athletes should not ignore

Pain, swelling, discoloration, and warmth can signal a clot. Unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, or fainting require emergency care as they can signal a pulmonary embolism.