Jalen Hurts has been placed on injured reserve after Philadelphia consulted multiple doctors and specialists about the superficial blood clot in the quarterback’s calf, leaving Tanner McKee to start Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
The move ensures Hurts will miss at least four games. Philadelphia had initially continued to evaluate treatment options without immediately putting its starting quarterback on IR, but the club ultimately chose the longer-term roster move as medical discussions continued.
Hurts was ruled out for the Panthers game on Oct. 15 after a follow-up ultrasound showed that the clot had moved. If treatment requires blood thinners, he would be unable to play while taking them; a standard moderate-dose treatment period can run about six weeks. Another option considered had been anti-inflammatory medication and continued monitoring, with the Eagles’ medical staff determining the path for his eventual return.
Calf issue developed after Rams loss
The injury stemmed from Philadelphia’s 24-20 Week 4 defeat against the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 4, when Hurts was stepped on during the game. He sought treatment after practice four days later.
An ultrasound on Oct. 10, after the Eagles traveled to London and held a walkthrough before their Week 5 meeting with the Jacksonville Jaguars, identified the clot. Doctors cleared Hurts to play at that point, and he completed 21 of 40 throws for 220 yards and a touchdown in Philadelphia’s 19-17 loss to Jacksonville.
Hurts then took a full workload in Wednesday’s practice before the evening scan prompted the team to remove him from action.
McKee takes over amid depleted offense
McKee will make the third start of his career as the Eagles try to recover from a 2-3 opening. The 2023 sixth-round selection has appeared in six games, completing 54 of 88 passes for 597 yards, five touchdowns and one interception.
Philadelphia added Joe Milton III from the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad and also has rookie Cole Payton on its roster behind McKee.
Hurts, a three-time Pro Bowler, has thrown for 933 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions this season. His 57.8 percent completion rate has accompanied an Eagles offense ranked 29th in scoring.
The quarterback is one of several key absences or recent disruptions for Philadelphia. Saquon Barkley will miss a second straight game with a hamstring injury, while reserve running backs Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley are already on injured reserve.
DeVonta Smith is expected to return against Carolina after sitting out two games, and Dallas Goedert is back after his own two-game absence. The offensive line has also changed sharply this month: right tackle Lane Johnson retired Oct. 6, and Philadelphia traded lineman Cam Jurgens the following day.
