Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been diagnosed with blood clots in both lungs and is now being treated with blood thinners. The NFL says he is expected to miss the rest of the 2026 season.
Hurts is young and in peak physical condition, but doctors say that does not make anyone immune to dangerous clots. “Being in shape lowers your risk, but it doesn’t make you immune,” said Dr. Joseph V. Lombardi, chief physician executive at AtlantiCare. Risk climbs when factors like an injury, long travel or recent surgery stack up.
Hurts’ case is also a reminder of what patients on blood thinners need to watch for. The drugs stop dangerous clots from growing or forming, but they also make it harder for the body to stop bleeding after an injury — a real concern for athletes in contact sports, or for anyone who takes a bad fall.
“Taking [blood thinners] consistently, understanding potential interactions, and recognizing warning signs can greatly reduce the risk of complications,” said Dr. Yazan Abou-Ismail, a hematologist and thrombosis expert at the University of Utah.
Five mistakes to avoid
1. Stopping or extending treatment on your own. Some patients need blood thinners for a limited stretch; others need them for life. When a clot has a clear cause, like an injury, treatment often runs about three months, Lombardi said. Duration depends on the cause and whether a patient has had clots before. Stop too soon and the clot risk returns. Stay on too long without reason and bleeding risk climbs. Either way, that call belongs to a doctor, not the patient.
2. Missing doses. Repeated missed doses weaken the drug’s ability to prevent clots, Abou-Ismail said. What to do after a missed dose depends on the specific medication — follow the prescription instructions or call the pharmacist or doctor. Do not just double up to catch up.
3. Mixing in other drugs or supplements without checking first. Aspirin and NSAIDs like ibuprofen raise bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners. So can some prescription drugs and supplements, including fish oil and turmeric. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before adding anything new, even over-the-counter products.
4. Ignoring warning signs. Some bruising or minor bleeding is normal, but persistent nosebleeds, blood in the urine, or unexplained bruising should prompt a call to a provider. Uncontrolled bleeding, vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, a sudden severe headache, new confusion, vision changes or trouble speaking are emergencies requiring urgent care. After a serious head injury, get checked out even if you feel fine.
5. Underestimating injury risk. A hard hit or a fall can cause serious bleeding in someone on blood thinners — the exact reason Hurts cannot play football while being treated. Patients should talk to their doctor about which activities are safe. Some exercise may be fine, but contact sports and other high-injury-risk activities call for extra caution.
Lombardi noted blood thinners do not dissolve an existing clot — they prevent it from growing while the body clears it naturally over time. Treatment plans vary by patient, so anyone with questions about dosing, side effects or activity should go straight to their care team.
