Dak Prescott Issues Warning to NFL Players After Dangerous Blood Clot Sidelines Jalen Hurts

Dak Prescott is speaking out in the wake of Jalen Hurts' blood clot

The Cowboys quarterback offered his opinion on the issue and warned other athletes to be aware of their own health

Hurts has been ruled out of this weekend's Eagles game after medical staff observed movement in a superficial blood clot

Dak Prescott is encouraging athletes to take charge of their health amid Thursday's news that fellow quarterback Jalen Hurts has been sidelined with a blood clot.

The Dallas Cowboys quarterback addressed the issue on Thursday, Oct. 15 — the same day the Philadelphia Eagles announced their starter would miss the team's Week 6 matchup.

"It's scary when you get things like that," Prescott, 33, told reporters . "Blood clots, you're talking about someone's life, especially with the plane trip and all that they took. Yeah, it's scary. If you're feeling something, speak up on it."

The Eagles announced Thursday that Hurts, 28, would not play on Sunday, Oct. 18 after medical staff detected movement in a superficial blood clot that was previously diagnosed in his calf.

"Out of an abundance of caution, an ultrasound was performed on Saturday following the team's flight to London and walkthrough. The ultrasound revealed a superficial blood clot," the statement said . "Our medical staff and doctors in London reviewed the results and concluded that activity and mobility were important and that Jalen could safely play. Doctors recommended a follow-up ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and the return flight to Philadelphia."

The signal-caller was allowed to play "without limitation" last Sunday and travel with the team on the eight-hour flight home to Philadelphia.

But on Thursday, team officials said Hurts' status had changed.

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"On Wednesday night, a follow-up ultrasound revealed movement in the small blood clot," the team said. "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."

For Prescott, it's all about being smart while playing a "tough man's sport."

"I'm fortunate I have [my personal physical therapist] Luke Miller," he said. "He's on things before I'm on things at times. I try to blow things off, and he's like, 'No, no, let's look at this. Let me get a better check on it.' I encourage people to be open about their body and learn about their body."

Prescott added, "I'm in a fortunate situation now being this far into my career, but it's about making good relationships with those guys [the training staff]. Tell them everything. You can get a heads-up on it. You can tell them and just say, 'It's fine, but I'm letting you know.' I encourage all athletes: don't be shy if something is bothering you. Speak up on it. This is a tough man's sport at the end of the day, so let them know if you're fine like, 'Hey, I'm just warning you. I'm just alerting you, so you can get ahead of things like this.' "