Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott called on professional athletes to communicate physical symptoms to medical staff after learning that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts had a blood clot in his calf.
Prescott said he learned about Hurts' condition during Thursday's practice and expressed concern for the younger NFC East rival.
The Eagles ruled Hurts out of Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers after a follow-up ultrasound revealed movement in a small blood clot.
The team said it was determining the appropriate treatment while prioritizing the quarterback's health and safety.
Prescott Stresses Communication With Trainers
Prescott, who has started for 11 seasons, said his NFL experience taught him the value of monitoring his health and communicating with medical professionals.
"I'm in a fortunate situation standpoint now obviously being this far in my career. But [Hurts is] younger than me.
It's about making good relationships with [the trainers]. I want to say, tell them everything and you can get a heads up on it.
You tell them and just say, 'Yeah, it's fine. I'm just letting you know.'
So I encourage all athletes, don't be shy if something's bothering you." Prescott said.
Prescott has a private trainer, Luke Miller, who attends every Cowboys practice and game.
He explained that Miller sometimes identifies potential concerns even when Prescott initially believes a symptom is not serious.
"Yeah, it's scary. So you feeling something, speak up on it.
I'm fortunate.
I've got Luke Miller and he's on things before I'm on things in time and I try to blow things off and he's like, 'No, no, no.
Let's look at this and let me get a better check on it.' So I encourage people to be open about their body and learn their body."
Prescott said.
The Eagles detailed Hurts' injury in a statement, explaining that he developed the condition during a game before the team traveled to London the previous week.
He was cleared to play in London and received additional treatment after the team returned home.
"On Wednesday night, a follow-up ultrasound revealed movement in the small blood clot.
Jalen will be out for Sunday's game vs. the Panthers as we determine the appropriate course of treatment.
His health and safety are our highest priority." the Eagles said in a statement.
The team did not announce a specific treatment plan in its statement.
Hurts remained unavailable for Philadelphia's matchup against Carolina as the organization evaluated the next steps in his care.
