Eagles place Jalen Hurts on injured reserve and promote former Cowboys back Jaydon Blue

Update: October 17, 4:16 p.m. Eastern

The Eagles have officially placed Jalen Hurts on injured reserve. The team used the open roster spot to promote running back Jaydon Blue from its practice squad. Blue, a Dallas fifth-round pick in 2025, joined Philadelphia’s practice squad on September 1 and is positioned to make his Eagles debut Sunday. The club also elevated rookies Keyshawn James-Newby and Cole Wisniewski for the Carolina game.

The Eagles also ruled out four players who had been working toward returns from injured reserve: cornerback Jakorian Bennett, tight ends Grant Calcaterra and Eli Stowers, and guard Landon Dickerson. None was activated for Sunday’s game against Carolina.

The transaction confirms the move reported earlier Saturday afternoon. Hurts must miss at least four games, and Tanner McKee will start Sunday against Carolina. No return date has been set.

Earlier reporting: October 17, afternoon

Jalen Hurts is headed to injured reserve because of the superficial blood clot in his calf, ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Saturday afternoon. Philadelphia reached the decision after further consultations with doctors and specialists. No return date has been set.

The move would keep Hurts out for at least four games. That stretch includes Sunday’s home game against Carolina and the Eagles’ following three NFC East games against Dallas, Washington and the Giants. Philadelphia has its bye in Week 10.

Tanner McKee will start against the Panthers. The Eagles’ Saturday game preview had already confirmed that assignment after Hurts was ruled out Thursday. McKee now faces the possibility of a longer run with the offense.

How the diagnosis developed

The Eagles’ October 15 statement traced the problem to discomfort Hurts reported after being cleated during the October 4 game against the Rams. He first sought treatment on October 8 and continued practicing fully.

An ultrasound after the team arrived in London revealed the clot. The Eagles said their medical staff and doctors in London determined that Hurts could safely play against Jacksonville. He played that game, received treatment after returning and practiced Wednesday before another ultrasound showed that the clot had moved.

The team’s original statement:

Philadelphia then held Hurts out of the Carolina game while doctors considered treatment. Saturday morning’s reporting said the Eagles did not plan to use injured reserve. The later report reflects a changed decision following additional medical consultations. His medical team will determine when he can return.

McKee takes over

NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Reuben Frank and Dave Zangaro discussed the original diagnosis and McKee’s assignment Thursday, before Saturday’s injured-reserve decision. Their discussion begins with the team’s timeline and turns to the backup quarterback at 7:25:

Philadelphia also signed Joe Milton from the Cowboys’ practice squad Friday. The third-year quarterback joins McKee and rookie Cole Payton as the Eagles adjust their depth behind Hurts. Milton spent last season with Dallas after beginning his career in New England.

The Eagles host Carolina at 1 p.m. Eastern Sunday. Their next game is against the Cowboys, making the quarterback change relevant to a division race in which Philadelphia has started 2-3.

Earlier reporting: October 15

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is out for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers because of a superficial blood clot in his calf. The club issued the ruling Thursday afternoon after a Wednesday night follow-up ultrasound, and Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Adam Schefter all carried the team statement within minutes.

What is confirmed

The Eagles said Hurts first sought calf treatment after practice on Thursday, October 8, telling staff he had been cleated in the October 4 Rams game. He practiced in full that week and was added to Friday's injury report. An ultrasound after the London flight and walkthrough the next Saturday found a superficial blood clot. Doctors there cleared him to play and asked for a follow-up within 72 hours of the game and the return flight.

Hurts played without limitation against the Jaguars in London, took treatment Monday and Tuesday, and practiced in full Wednesday. The club said it stayed in contact with the league office. The Wednesday night ultrasound "revealed movement in the small blood clot," and Philadelphia ruled him out for Sunday while it determines the course of treatment.

Pelissero matched that medical path. Rapoport added that Hurts is out until the situation is solved and that Tanner McKee is moving forward. McKee is the backup after the Eagles recently released Andy Dalton. NFL.com reprinted the full team statement and the same depth-chart note.

What is still unknown

Philadelphia has not given a return date. "Superficial" describes the clot they found, not a promise he is back in Week 7. Treatment choices and further imaging will decide how long he sits. Rapoport's follow-up left open a multi-week window until the medical issue is resolved.

Why it matters for RSO rosters

Hurts was a locked Week 6 starter for nearly every roster that owns him. Sitting him is now the default. McKee is a one-week streamer question against Carolina, and Philadelphia's skill players carry more quarterback-contingency risk Sunday. In dynasty and contract formats, keep Hurts rostered until the medical course is clear.

What RSO owners should do

Sit Hurts for Week 6. Start McKee only if your alternatives are thin. Keep Hurts on the roster and watch the next team update on treatment and any IR or return timeline. Recheck before Week 7 locks once Philadelphia says whether this is a short hold or a longer absence.