Hurts was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli days ago, prompting the medical staff to decide that the best course of action was to keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season to protect his health. As a result, Tanner McKee will take the reins as the starting quarterback at Lincoln Financial Field.

This setback in the quarterback room has triggered changes to the depth chart. Cole Payton is now the first backup, and all indications suggest that he will remain in that role through the Eagles’ final week of the season.

What we know so far about Hurts’ situation?

Jalen Hurts is sidelined after a scary health update that started with a leg issue originally spotted back on October 10 in London. While it was initially thought to be just a minor superficial calf issue—leading to him being cleared to play the next day—follow-up tests later revealed deep vein thrombosis that spread to his lungs.

Because of how dangerously this escalated, the NFL and the Players Association are currently looking into the whole situation to investigate potential medical negligence, trying to figure out if the team’s medical staff dropped the ball by clearing him to fly across the Atlantic and play contact football when things were far more serious.

Injuries hit the Eagles hard

Beyond the situation at quarterback, the Eagles have been absolutely hammered by injuries across their roster this 2026 season. Their explosive offense has taken a massive hit, with Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith both sidelined by nagging hamstring injuries.

To make matters worse, the backfield depth is completely stretched as backup running back Will Shipley landed on injured reserve with a foot injury, while key defensive contributors like Nolan Smith Jr. (concussion protocol) and Michael Carter II (abdomen) have also missed significant time. With critical starters sidelined on both sides of the ball, Philadelphia is facing an uphill battle just to keep their lineup intact each week.

Key takeaways

• Jalen Hurts is out for the season due to deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli.
• Tanner McKee takes over as starting quarterback, with Cole Payton as the primary backup.
• The NFL and NFLPA are investigating potential medical negligence regarding Jalen Hurts’ London trip.

There’s a lot on the line for both sides. The Cowboys and Eagles are coming off consecutive losses (the Eagles have lost four in a row) and sit tied for second in the division with 2-4 records. Dallas may be even more desperate for a win than Philadelphia, though, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer made that clear right away.

“I’m pissed off. (The players) are pissed off too. We’re ready for a win,” Brian Schottenheimer admitted, per Jon Machota of The Athletic, after Week 6’s loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Eagles may be ready to tank

In Philly, the team is getting the sense that this will be a down year, and losing Hurts for the rest of the season seems to be the final nail in the coffin. The team’s fate now rests in the hands of quarterback Tanner McKee, who’s become the starter ever since Hurts was sidelined due to his concerning health status.

As the Cowboys gear up for the primetime game at Lincoln Financial Field, Schottenheimer’s bold comment should put the home team on notice. The Cowboys are looking to get back on track, and that will only be possible with a statement win in a hostile environment that is truly one of a kind.

High-stakes Week 7 matchup

The Linc during divisional primetime games is no joke, and Dallas wants to be the team that tames that beast and crushes Philadelphia’s hopes before the NFL trade deadline.

The Eagles, though reeling from Hurts’ loss, will want to return the favor and keep piling on the Cowboys’ defensive woes after their disastrous start to the campaign.

The stakes are high, and the season may be on the line for both NFC East rivals as they enter a Week 7 matchup that feels a lot like a season-deciding game. For both head coaches, Schottenheimer and Sirianni, this could also be a game they look back on later in the year when the front offices evaluate their futures in Arlington and South Philadelphia, respectively.

Key takeaways

• Jalen Hurts is out for the 2026 season after developing multiple lung blood clots.
• Head coach Brian Schottenheimer stated Dallas Cowboys are “pissed off” and desperate for a win.
• Backup Tanner McKee takes over as starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.

On the Eagles’ depth chart, Payton Cole is listed as the primary backup option behind McKee. Further down the chart is Joe Milton III, who was recently signed for this team.

Hurts’ situation is undoubtedly a blow that no one within the franchise saw coming. Significant injuries have hit the Eagles hard, a team that entered the season with serious aspirations of winning the NFC East. Now, the big question is how they will overcome these losses and keep their hopes alive in a division that leaves little room for error.

More details on Hurts’ situation

On the health front, Jalen Hurts is temporarily stepping away from football activities for the remainder of the season, after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli following additional medical evaluations, according to insider Ari Meirov on X.

The good news is that he remains clinically stable, though his treatment requires him to be on blood thinners, which naturally sidelined him for now. Fortunately, according to his agent Nicole Lynn, the long-term outlook is “very good,” with doctors fully expecting a complete recovery and zero lasting impact on his career once he’s cleared to return.

What’s next for the Eagles without Hurts?

Starting in Week 7, the Eagles are staring down a heavy dose of NFC East division rivalries. First up, they host the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football at Lincoln Financial Field (Monday, October 26).

Next, they hit the road for Sunday Night Football in Week 8 to square off against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium (Sunday, November 1). Finally, in Week 9, they return home to Philly to welcome the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field (Sunday, November 8).

Key takeaways

• Jalen Hurts will miss the season due to blood clots in his lungs.
• Tanner McKee becomes the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.
• The Philadelphia Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7 on October 26.

Hurts initially experienced calf discomfort after Philadelphia’s Week 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams on October 4. An ultrasound performed after the Eagles traveled to London revealed the blood clot, but medical staff initially determined that he could safely play against the Jacksonville Jaguars. A follow-up examination later showed movement in the clot, prompting the team to take further precautions.

The Eagles enter Week 6 with a 2-3 record and remain in contention in the NFC East, but losing their franchise quarterback adds another major challenge after three consecutive defeats. Philadelphia won the Super Bowl just two seasons ago, making the uncertainty surrounding Hurts’ health and the team’s immediate future particularly significant. For now, the priority is his recovery, while the rest of the roster must try to keep the season on track.

When is Jalen Hurts coming back?

Jalen Hurts has been placed on injured reserve, which means he must miss at least four games. Philadelphia has not announced a specific return date, and the quarterback is sidelined indefinitely while doctors determine his treatment and monitor the blood clot. The Eagles will reassess the situation as more information becomes available, but his return will depend on medical guidance rather than a fixed timetable.

Who is replacing Jalen Hurts?

Tanner McKee is expected to start at quarterback against Carolina, stepping into a crucial role as the Eagles attempt to stop their losing streak. McKee has limited recent game experience, so Philadelphia will need to adjust its offensive approach while its starter is unavailable. The team also has rookie Cole Payton among its quarterback options, providing additional depth during Hurts’ absence.

The situation also raises broader questions about Philadelphia’s ability to remain competitive if Hurts misses an extended stretch. Although the team is not abandoning its season, its immediate outlook will depend on how McKee performs and whether the offense can find consistency without its leader. Hurts’ health remains the central concern, and the Eagles will wait for medical clearance before considering his return to the field.

Key takeaways

• Jalen Hurts was placed on injured reserve after doctors discovered a blood clot in his calf.
• Tanner McKee is expected to start against the Panthers in Week 6.
• Hurts is sidelined indefinitely while doctors monitor the clot and determine his treatment.

ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported that the Eagles reached the decision after consultations with numerous doctors and specialists that continued into Saturday. The team ultimately determined that placing Hurts on injured reserve was the appropriate next step as it evaluates the quarterback’s condition and determines the best course of treatment.

Hurts is expected to miss at least four weeks because of the move, but his absence could extend well beyond that minimum. Given the seriousness of the situation and the uncertainty surrounding his recovery, Philadelphia has not established a definitive return date, leaving the Eagles to prepare for the possibility of playing without their starting quarterback for an extended period.

What happened to Jalen Hurts?

The situation first emerged after Jalen Hurts experienced calf discomfort following Week 4 game vs the Rams. He participated fully in practice on Wednesday and Thursday after that matchup and then received treatment while continuing his work on the field.

The controversial part emerged when the Eagles arrived in London. There was an ultrasound on Satruday defore the game against the Jaguars and the blodd clot was found. However, the medical staff allowed him to play.

After the game in London, an ultrasound showed that the clot had moved. That changed everything. The team had to reassess the situation and put Hurts’ health first, ruling him out of Week 6 game vs the Panthers.

The Eagles ultimately decided to place Hurts on injured reserve, prioritizing his health while his condition is evaluated and treatment is determined. Blood clots can pose serious risks depending on their location and whether they move through the bloodstream, potentially leading to complications such as a pulmonary embolism.

How long will Jalen Hurts be out for the Eagles?

Being placed on injured reserve means Jalen Hurts must miss at least four games before he can be eligible to return. However, eligibility does not guarantee that he will be ready to play at that point. His actual timeline will depend on medical evaluations, his response to treatment and whether he receives clearance to resume football activities.

The decision follows a period of concern surrounding Hurts’ health. The Eagles have prioritized consultations with medical experts before determining the next step, underscoring the importance of taking a cautious approach rather than rushing the quarterback back onto the field. The team will continue to assess the situation as more information becomes available.

Hurts’ absence represents a significant challenge for Philadelphia, which must now rely on its available quarterback options while its starter focuses on recovery. The Eagles will need to adjust their offensive plans for the coming weeks, although the biggest question remains how long Hurts will ultimately be sidelined. For now, the only certainty is that he will miss at least four weeks, with a longer absence still possible.

Key Takeaways

• Jalen Hurts has been placed on injured reserve by the Eagles.
• He will miss at least four weeks and could be out longer.
• Philadelphia has not announced a definitive timeline for his return.

What happened to Jalen Hurts is that he has a blood clot and that is dangerous. For Sirianni, he is not even concerned that Hurts is missing the game, he knows the health of his QB is the priority.

“Jalen’s health is of utmost importance to all of us in the building. I care deeply about Jalen [Hurts]. Like I said, not gonna get too much into that,” Sirianni said. “I love Jalen. Just want him to be healthy,” he added.

Jalen Hurts is under a microscope

Since Jalen Hurts took over as the Eagles starting QB, Philadelphia has gone to two Super Bowls, losing one in devastating fashion, and then winning the other in dominant one. However, his play week by week is not precisely inspiring. He is very reliant on the offensive coordinator, and his connection with Sean Mannion isn’t working.

Hurts’ 2026 season has not been good. He is averaging a career-low 57.8% completion since 2021 where he became the starter. Now, he is dealing with a serious health scare. This could end up being Hurts’ toughest season so far.

Nick Sirianni is on the hot seat

All these injuries just make an uphill battle even steeper for the Eagles. Nick Sirianni is already on the hot seat. However, while injuries could serve as an excuse for Sirianni to keep his job, it could also be the perfect reason to let him go.

After all, Sirianni’s had this team fully healthy and while results have happened, he has lost the locker room at some points, and his coaching as a whole is not the best. Hence, his future is looking very ‘up in the air‘. An awful loss against the Carolina Panthers could help speed up the decision.

Key takeaways

• Jalen Hurts will miss Week 6 against the Panthers due to a blood clot.
• Jalen Hurts is averaging a career-low 57.8% completion during the 2026 NFL season.
• Head coach Nick Sirianni is on the hot seat amid ongoing struggles and injuries.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported the move, confirming that the Eagles are bringing Milton in from Dallas’ practice squad. The transaction comes after a follow-up ultrasound revealed movement in the superficial blood clot discovered in Hurts’ calf, forcing Philadelphia to prioritize his health while determining the appropriate course of treatment.

Hurts’ absence creates a major challenge for an Eagles team that entered Week 6 with a 2-3 record. The team has not provided a timeline for his return, making it difficult to determine how long Philadelphia will have to operate without its franchise quarterback. Milton’s arrival provides additional depth as the Eagles prepare for a critical stretch of the season.

Eagles QB depth chart with Jalen Hurts out

Schultz announced the move with a brief report confirming Philadelphia’s decision to sign Milton away from its division rival’s practice squad. The quarterback will join Tanner McKee and rookie Cole Payton on the Eagles’ active roster, giving the team another option while Hurts remains sidelined. “The Eagles are signing QB Joe Milton off the Cowboys practice squad and to their 53-man roster, per sources.”

Who will be Eagles starting quarterback?

Tanner McKee is expected to start for the Eagles against Carolina, while Payton remains another option behind him. Milton, meanwhile, will provide additional depth after spending time on Dallas’ practice squad. The former sixth-round pick has appeared in five NFL games without making a start, completing 37 of 53 passes for 424 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

The bigger concern for Philadelphia is how long Hurts could remain unavailable. The Eagles have not announced a recovery timetable, and his return will depend on the medical staff’s assessment and the appropriate treatment plan.

With the team already struggling to build momentum, another setback at quarterback could complicate its season and raise questions about the team’s direction heading toward 2027. However, a potential rebuild remains speculation, not an announced plan by the Eagles.

Key takeaways

• Philadelphia Eagles signed quarterback Joe Milton after Jalen Hurts suffered a calf blood clot.
• Joe Milton joins the 53-man roster off the division rival Dallas Cowboys practice squad.
• Tanner McKee is expected to start at quarterback for the 2-3 Eagles against Carolina.

According to the Eagles’ official statement, the issue was initially discovered after Hurts reported calf discomfort following Philadelphia’s game against the Los Angeles Rams on October 4. The quarterback had practiced in full on Wednesday and Thursday before receiving treatment on Friday, October 9, and continued practicing.

The team subsequently performed an ultrasound on Saturday, October 10, after traveling to London. The examination revealed a superficial blood clot, but medical staff determined that Hurts could safely play after reviewing the results. However, a follow-up ultrasound yesterday revealed movement in the clot, prompting the Eagles to prioritize the quarterback’s health and remove him from Sunday’s lineup.

Why is a blood clot dangerous for QB Jalen Hurts?

A blood clot forms when blood thickens and clumps together, potentially restricting normal circulation. The Eagles specifically described Jalen Hurts’ condition as a superficial blood clot, meaning it was identified in tissue close to the skin rather than being reported as a deep vein thrombosis. The team has not disclosed additional medical details about the clot’s exact location or the treatment being considered.

Blood clots can become dangerous depending on their location, size and whether they move through the bloodstream. One serious complication occurs when part of a clot travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism that can block blood flow and become life-threatening.

However, the Eagles’ statement does not say that Hurts has experienced this complication, and the movement reported on his follow-up ultrasound should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that the clot traveled to his lungs.

The most important question now is how the Eagles’ medical staff will treat the condition and when Hurts can safely return to the field. The team has not announced a recovery timeline, emphasizing instead that his health and safety remain the priority.

For now, Philadelphia must prepare to face the Panthers without its starting quarterback while doctors determine the next steps based on the latest ultrasound results.

Key takeaways

• Jalen Hurts will miss Sunday’s game vs the Panthers.
• A follow-up ultrasound revealed movement in his calf blood clot.
• The Eagles have not announced a recovery timeline.

Talking to reporters on Wednesday ahead of a Sunday afternoon clash with the Carolina Panthers, Jalen Hurts admitted that while the Eagles’ offense is new, the team needs to find its “connectedness” and forge a strong identity to get the season back on track.

“We are finding that synergy and finding that connectedness. That’s gonna be big for our success. And I think we’re growing,” Hurts said via John Clark. “It’s a new offense. We are gelling, and we are building together. It’s an important overall to have an identity. We want to make it less about the opponent and more about who we are. My mentality is always trying to figure out the best way to win. We’ve got to establish ourselves and our identity. We’ve got to be able to say who we are. It evolves. I think that’s more of a gelling thing. And everyone learning everyone around them.”

Eagles building an identity

In Week 5, despite missing three opening-day starters, the Eagles’ offensive line put together a solid showing, providing Hurts with extra time in the pocket and opening running lanes for Will Shipley and Dameon Pierce to produce.

While the makeup of the unit will almost certainly continue to shift before the season ends—with the Eagles opening the 21-day practice window for Landon Dickerson to return from injured reserve, and Drew Kendall remaining on the active roster despite a knee injury—getting the offensive line operating properly (after decades when that was never an issue) could be a crucial step toward getting back on track.

Hurts has logged just 16 rushing attempts over the last four Eagles games. That represents his lowest total of carries across a four-game stretch as an NFL starter, with the vast majority coming in scramble situations.

New offensive coordinator Sean Mannion did not call a designed run for Hurts in two of the team’s five games. This year, Hurts holds a per-game rate of 1.2 designed runs, which aligns with last year’s career low of 1.19, according to Pro Football Focus.

Key takeaways

• Jalen Hurts admitted the Philadelphia Eagles must find connectedness in their new offense.
• A 21-day practice window was opened for Philadelphia Eagles lineman Landon Dickerson.
• 16 rushing attempts over four games marks a career-low stretch for Jalen Hurts.

What about the backups for both teams? In Jacksonville, the main alternative to Lawrence is Quinn Ewers. In Philadelphia, however, things have changed recently after the Eagles made a drastic decision to cut Andy Dalton, making Tanner McKee the team’s new backup quarterback.

Sirianni also has an emergency quarterback option if needed: Cole Payton. Undoubtedly, both Jacksonville and Philadelphia appear to be well-covered at the quarterback position.

Lawrence’s outstanding season so far

Trevor Lawrence has been off to a solid, highly efficient start for the Jaguars in 2026. Through four games, he’s racked up 843 passing yards and 8 touchdowns against just 2 interceptions, completing 72 of his 104 pass attempts (a super clean 69.2% completion rate).

He set the tone right out of the gate in Week 1 with a huge 4-touchdown performance against Cleveland Browns, and he kept the momentum going in Week 4, slinging 227 yards and a touchdown while completing over 78% of his throws in a 22–17 win over Cincinnati Bengals. He’s also added 34 rushing yards on 11 carries to keep defenses honest, looking sharp, in control, and taking care of the football.

Hurts still struggling to find consistency

Through the first four games of the 2026 season, Jalen Hurts has had a bit of an up-and-down stretch as the Eagles sit at 2–2. Stat-wise, he’s thrown for 713 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions, completing 68 of 114 attempts (59.6%) alongside 105 rushing yards and 1 rushing touchdown. While he flashed his high ceiling with a sharp 3-TD performance against Washington in Week 1, he’s clearly far from hitting his stride.

The offense has felt clunky at times, highlighted by a rough 93-yard outing against the Rams and taking 12 sacks overall. It’s safe to say Hurts hasn’t quite locked into his elite, MVP-caliber form yet, but there’s still plenty of football left for him and Philly to find that rhythm.

Key takeaways

• Jacksonville and Philadelphia will face off in London during NFL Week 5.
• Trevor Lawrence has recorded 843 passing yards and 8 touchdowns over four games.
• Jalen Hurts has thrown for 713 passing yards and 7 touchdowns as Philly sits at 2-2.

After all, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Philadelphia Eagles are releasing QB Andy Dalton. Even with Hurts’ struggles, the team didn’t trust Dalton enough to keep him as the backup. Now, it remains to be seen who will take on that role.

To be quite frank, Dalton wasn’t having any good performances with the Eagles anyway. The 38-year-old is now headed to free agency and will become a touted veteran for teams looking for a QB2.

Andy Dalton’s numbers with the Eagles

Dalton only took part in one official game as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. He didn’t start, he came up for a couple of plays until starting QB Jalen Hurts was able to return after suffering a massive heat.

However, Dalton entered the game in a best-case-scenario. They were near the endzone and with running back Saquon Barkley on the field. However, Barkley failed to score on two occasions, which prompted the Eagles to trust Dalton. He immediately sent an interception in the endzone. That was his only pass attempt in the game.

Who will be the Eagles QB2 now that Dalton is gone?

Following the release of Andy Dalton, the Eagles will have Tanne McKee as the primary backup to Jalen Hurts. McKee has been with the Eagles since 2024. He has played six games, starting two of them.

McKee is just 26 years old. as opposed to Dalton. He has a 61.4% completion for 597 yards, five touchdowns, one interception, and a 95.7 passer rating. The third QB on the roster would be Cole Payton.

Key takeaways

• The Philadelphia Eagles are releasing backup quarterback Andy Dalton into free agency.
• Dalton threw an endzone interception on his only pass attempt during his lone game.
• Tanner McKee will take over as QB2 behind starter Jalen Hurts.