Jalen Hurts’ Injury and the Eagles’ Quarterback Situation

In the NFL, being available is often touted as a player’s most important ability. This has certainly been the case for Jalen Hurts since he became the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Super Bowl LIX MVP played all 17 games in the 2023 season, missed two games due to a concussion in 2024, and then rested for the Eagles’ regular-season finale that year as the team prepared for the playoffs.

Now, backup Tanner McKee stepped in for Hurts in Week 18 to finish off the 2025 season and will need to take the lead again this Sunday since Hurts has been ruled out due to a superficial blood clot in his calf.

Despite dealing with a calf injury, Hurts had participated fully in practice leading up to last Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Interestingly, he wasn’t on the injury list for the previous week’s game in London.

With McKee set to be the starting quarterback this weekend, the Eagles are looking to bolster their quarterback lineup by signing Joe Milton from the practice squad of their division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys. This move might push rookie Cole Payton out of his backup role when they face the Carolina Panthers, hoping to break a three-game losing streak.

The timeline for Hurts’ return remains uncertain, but the Eagles did provide some details about how the blood clot was discovered. They said Hurts asked for calf treatment after practice on October 8, mentioning he had been cleated during the Rams game on October 4. Despite practicing fully up until then, a follow-up scan was recommended by the medical staff.

Following the team’s flight to London and a walkthrough, an ultrasound on Saturday revealed the blood clot. The Eagles’ medical team consulted with doctors in London, who determined it was safe for Hurts to play, suggesting a follow-up ultrasound within 72 hours of the game.

Payton, drafted in the fifth round this past April, has only played in one game this season and hasn’t made any passing attempts during the regular season. Milton, on the other hand, has slightly more NFL experience, although he hasn’t yet started a game. His past performances hinted at both mobility and a strong arm, making him an interesting addition.

Milton was cut from Dallas when Sam Howell secured the backup position, which Milton described as surprising. He shared that it was a shocking moment, but reiterated the need to move forward in life and rise to challenges when they arise.

After spending the last five weeks on the Cowboys’ practice squad, Milton is now joining the Eagles as the team looks to navigate the uncertainty surrounding Hurts’ condition.

What the Eagles’ decision to sign another quarterback means for Hurts’ future or if he might be sidelined for a longer duration remains to be seen.

So far this season, Hurts has thrown for 933 yards and eight touchdowns across five games.