In the NFL, availability is often described as a player’s best ability. Since taking over as the Philadelphia Eagles’ starting quarterback, Jalen Hurts has largely embodied that idea.
The Super Bowl LIX MVP started all 17 games in 2023, missed two games with a concussion in 2024 and sat out Philadelphia’s regular-season finale that year as the Eagles rested most of their starters ahead of the playoffs.
Backup quarterback Tanner McKee filled in for Hurts in Week 18 to close the 2025 season and will be called upon again this Sunday. Hurts has been ruled out by what the team has described as a superficial blood clot in his calf.
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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) scrambles with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on Sept. 4, 2025. (Bill Streicher/Imagn Images)
Hurts was considered a full participant in Friday’s practice leading into this past Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, despite dealing with a calf injury. He was not on the injury report for last week’s game in London.
While McKee will be QB1 this weekend, the Eagles appear to be turning to a division rival to bolster their quarterback room and potentially push rookie Cole Payton out of the backup role in Week 6.
According to multiple reports, Philadelphia is set to sign Joe Milton off the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad. Under NFL rules, any player signed from another team’s practice squad must be placed on the new team’s 53-man roster. Milton will therefore be on the active roster when the Eagles host the Carolina Panthers and look to snap their three-game losing streak.
The timeline for Hurts’ return remains unclear. The Eagles did, however, release a statement detailing how the blood clot was discovered.
“On Thursday, October 8th, Jalen visited the training room after practice requesting treatment for his calf,” the team said. “He informed the medical staff he had been cleated during the Rams game on October 4th. This was his first treatment session for the calf injury following the game, after having practiced in full both Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, Jalen received treatment, practiced in full, and was added to the practice report.”
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The statement also said team doctors recommended a follow-up scan after the game.
“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. 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.”
Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles passes against the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 4, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pa. The Rams defeated the Eagles 24-20. (Getty Images)
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Payton, a fifth-round pick in April’s draft, has appeared in just one game this season. He has yet to attempt a pass in a regular-season game. Milton has slightly more NFL experience, though he has never started a game. In limited action, he has flashed both mobility and the arm strength that made him an intriguing prospect.
Sam Howell won the Cowboys’ backup job during the offseason, prompting Milton’s departure from Dallas. Milton said he was surprised by the decision at the time. “It was shocking. But it’s life. You got to be able to live with it and deliver blows back when it’s time,” he said.
Milton was later added to Dallas’ practice squad, where he spent the past five weeks before the Eagles came calling Friday.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts looks on during a game against the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 4, 2026, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. (Icon Sportswire)
It remains unclear what the Eagles’ decision to add a quarterback signals about Hurts’ status or whether they expect him to miss an extended period.
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Hurts has thrown for 933 yards and eight touchdowns in five games this season.