Roger Goodell reacts to NFLPA call to investigate Eagles' handling of Jalen Hurts medical situation

Shortly after it was reported on Tuesday that the NFL would "not issue any punishment to the" Philadelphia Eagles regarding their handling of the much-discussed medical issue involving quarterback Jalen Hurts, the NFL Players Association made it known that it wanted "a full investigation into what occurred." 

While speaking with reporters during a news conference at the end of the league's annual fall meeting on Wednesday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell insisted that he would "welcome" such an investigation.

Roger Goodell: "Protocols were followed" before Jalen Hurts was ruled out for the season

"Obviously, there was a medical evaluation, and I think our protocols were incredibly good there," Goodell said about the Hurts situation, per ESPN and the Associated Press. "The protocols were followed. Our process is to make sure that's the case, and our chief medical officer has gone through that, so we're comfortable that what we've seen in the protocols have happened."

The Eagles controversially let Hurts travel to London with a blood clot in his leg to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 11. He then flew back to Philadelphia shortly after that game wrapped up, and it was eventually discovered that he had "multiple blood clots in" his lungs. 

Roger Goodell more worried about Jalen Hurts' health than his NFL future

Before Goodell spoke, a report surfaced on Wednesday suggesting that Hurts does not believe the Eagles "put his life in jeopardy" or "had been negligent" before he landed on injured reserve. As shared by NBC Sports Philadelphia, Goodell said on Wednesday that he is "not sure how much international travel had to do" with Hurts now being out of action indefinitely. 

"The most important thing here is Jalen's health, ultimately, and the future of him," Goodell added on Wednesday. "He's a wonderful young man: not just a great player, but he's someone we all care deeply about. I'm more worried about his health, ultimately, but the protocols were followed."

Hurts is expected to "have the opportunity to resume contact football activities when off the blood thinners" next year. However, the Eagles reportedly could move on from him before the 2027 NFL Draft regardless of whether or not he is cleared to return to an active roster.