Eagles QB Jalen Hurts placed on injured reserve with blood clot

The Philadelphia Eagles have placed quarterback Jalen Hurts on injured reserve indefinitely following diagnosis of a superficial blood clot in his calf. Hurts began experiencing calf discomfort on October 8, and medical staff detected movement in the clot on Wednesday, October 15. After consulting with multiple medical experts through Saturday, the team determined that placing him on IR was the appropriate course of action.

Hurts will miss at least four consecutive games: against the Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants, with the Eagles' bye week in Week 10 offering an opportunity for further evaluation. The team stated that the blood clot is treatable. Medical experts consulted by ESPN indicated a typical treatment timeline of approximately six weeks with anticoagulants, though the exact duration depends on clot size, location, and hematology evaluation. Players cannot compete while on blood thinners, meaning Hurts' return date remains uncertain and dependent on his medical team's clearance.

Backup quarterback Tanner McKee will start against the Panthers, with rookie Cole Payton promoted to backup. The Eagles also signed quarterback Joe Milton off Dallas' practice squad. This decision compounds an already challenging season for Philadelphia's offense: running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver DeVonta Smith are both dealing with hamstring injuries, offensive tackle Lane Johnson has retired, and Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens was traded. The Eagles entered Sunday ranked bottom-five in the NFL in points per game (18.4, 29th), total yards per game (262.2, 31st), and yards per play (4.5, 30th).

The Eagles are currently 2-3 and remain competitive in the NFC East despite the offensive struggles. The team has emphasized it will follow Hurts' medical team's guidance on his return timeline, with a potential return after the bye week in Week 10 possible but not guaranteed.