Saquon Barkley upset people have made blood clot issue an 'Eagles vs. Jalen Hurts' story

A recent report suggested that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts does not blame general manager Howie Roseman or others associated with the Eagles for the events that resulted in Hurts missing the rest of this season after doctors discovered multiple blood clots in his lungs.

While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley hinted he doesn't love what certain media members have said and written about the Hurts-related story.

Saquon Barkley: There's no Jalen Hurts, Eagles feud after blood clot issue

"It sucks that the first thing, in my opinion, is people trying to make it an Eagles versus Jalen thing," Barkley said, per Tim McManus of ESPN. "Jalen is a heck of a guy, a heck of a leader, and a guy who deeply cares about this sport and cares about other people. Anytime the game is taken away from somebody, that sucks, but especially in this situation where we don't fully know the magnitude of it."

Outsiders may never learn the full true story about how Hurts was permitted to travel to London with a blood clot in his leg to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 11. What is clear is that Hurts almost certainly won't take an in-game snap before 2027, and it's possible that he won't be an Eagles player at this time next year. 

Jalen Hurts has been "an incredible role model" for Tanner McKee

Backup Tanner McKee started in Hurts' place against the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 18, and McKee completed 26 of 45 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown in a 25-14 defeat that dropped the Eagles to 2-4. Per Dan Gelston of The Associated Press, McKee revealed that he speaks and texts with Hurts "very frequently." 

"We have a really good relationship," McKee added about Hurts. "He’s been an incredible role model, teammate, example, leader. Even in this situation that he’s in, he’s continued to be that for me." 

Time will tell whether McKee could eventually become a full-time replacement for Hurts beyond this season. For now, McKee is preparing to start for the Eagles against the 2-4 Dallas Cowboys this coming Monday night. 

As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Philadelphia as a 4.5-point home underdog against Dallas.