Blood Clots in Both Lungs End Jalen Hurts' Season: Five Blood-Thinner Mistakes That Put Patients at Risk

US star quarterback Jalen Hurts has been diagnosed with blood clots in both lungs, and the NFL says he will miss the remainder of the 2026 season. The Philadelphia Eagles player is now receiving treatment with blood-thinning medication, and his illness has put the rules of using clot-prevention medicine in the spotlight worldwide.

Doctors say even young, physically active people can develop dangerous blood clots, especially when risk factors such as an injury, long travel or recent surgery combine. Dr Joseph V Lombardi, chief physician executive at AtlantiCare, said: “Being in shape lowers your risk, but it doesn't make you immune.”

Blood thinners help prevent dangerous clots from growing or forming, but they can also make it harder for the body to stop bleeding after an injury. That is a concern for athletes in high-contact sports, and equally for anyone who falls or gets hurt.

Dr Yazan Abou-Ismail, a hematologist and thrombosis expert at the University of Utah, said: “Taking blood thinners consistently, understanding potential interactions, and recognizing warning signs can greatly reduce the risk of complications.” According to experts, a few common mistakes are what land patients on this medication in danger.

The first mistake is stopping the medicine or extending it without talking to a doctor. Some patients need blood thinners only for a limited time, others long term. Lombardi said when a clot has a clear cause, such as an injury, treatment often lasts about three months. Abou-Ismail added that the duration depends on the reason for treatment and whether the patient has had previous clots; stopping too soon raises the risk of another clot, while continuing longer than prescribed increases bleeding risk.

The second mistake is repeatedly missing doses and then trying to make up for it with an extra dose. Abou-Ismail said repeated missed doses can weaken the medication's protection against clots, but what to do after a missed dose depends on the specific drug. Patients should follow the prescription instructions or call their pharmacist or doctor, rather than automatically taking an extra dose.

The third mistake is mixing in other medicines or supplements unknowingly. Abou-Ismail warned that aspirin and NSAIDs including ibuprofen can increase bleeding risk when taken with blood thinners. Some prescription drugs and supplements, including fish oil and turmeric, can also affect bleeding or medication levels. Patients should ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking anything new, even if it is sold over the counter.

The fourth mistake is ignoring warning signs. According to Abou-Ismail, some bruising or minor bleeding may occur, but persistent nosebleeds, blood in the urine or unexplained increases in bruising warrant a call to a health care provider. Uncontrolled bleeding, vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, a sudden severe headache or new confusion, vision changes or trouble speaking require urgent care. After a significant head injury, patients should seek medical evaluation even if they initially feel fine, experts note.

The fifth mistake is carrying on with risky sports or activities as before. A hard hit or fall can lead to serious bleeding in patients taking a blood thinner, which is why Hurts cannot play football during treatment. Doctors say patients may be able to continue exercising, but contact sports and other activities with a high risk of injury warrant extra caution, and patients should ask their care team which activities are safe.

Lombardi also cautioned about one important point: blood thinners do not dissolve an existing clot. They help prevent it from growing while the body clears it over time. The right treatment and precautions vary, so patients should contact their care team with questions about doses, side effects or activity.

Hurts' case shows that even elite fitness does not keep anyone beyond the reach of blood-clot risk. And for those already taking this medicine, following the rules and recognising the warning signs are the biggest protection of all.