Just a few hours ago, ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Philadelphia Eagles weren’t planning on putting Jalen Hurts on the injured reserve list. But now, it seems like the front office has taken a U-turn on that decision.
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On October 15, 2026, Hurts was sidelined from the upcoming Week 6 game against the Carolina Panthers. According to reports, the quarterback sustained a superficial blood clot in his leg. At first, the Eagles’ front office didn’t plan on putting him on IR. But now, the situation has changed, and he might miss out on at least four games.
“We have placed QB Jalen Hurts on the Injured Reserve list and signed RB Jaydon Blue to the active roster,” the Eagles announced on X. “OLB Keyshawn James-Newby and S Cole Wisniewski have been elevated for the game.”
The next time we can expect Hurts on the field is the home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 22, 2026. However, one of the team’s doctors messaged ESPN and claimed that Hurts’ return depends on the size, location, and hematology evaluation of the clot. And he could take “six weeks” to get back into the gridiron.
The 28-year-old quarterback’s medical issues began on October 4, 2026, during the loss against the Los Angeles Rams, when a cleat hit him in the calf. Initially, he believed that it was just a sore calf. To make things worse, Hurts attended the full practice on Wednesday and Thursday before he reported the problem to the higher-ups. But an ultrasound on Saturday revealed a superficial clot.
A superficial clot usually gets better without any anticoagulant. But it can be life-threatening if a portion of the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs and causes a pulmonary embolism. According to vascular surgeon at Texas Vascular Associates in Dallas and president of the Society for Vascular Surgery, Dr. William Shutze, the potential life-threatening conditions arise only if the clots are either longer than 5 cm or are located within 3 cm of a superficial vein junction.
It’s also worth noting that Hurts cannot play during anticoagulant therapy. Well, blood thinners increase the risk of hemorrhage. That’s why the American Heart Association has advised athletes on anticoagulants to avoid activities with a high probability of injuries
Of course, the Eagles didn’t really want Hurts to get on the injured reserve list. But now that he’s out for four games, the Eagles must make some much-needed changes.
Jalen Hurts’ IR entry brings a series of changes in Philly
First up, Tanner McKee has moved in to replace Hurts as the primary quarterback. Right now, the Eagles need to build chemistry between McKee and the receiving corps if they want to improve their 2-3 standing in the Week 6 game against the Panthers.
Meanwhile, coach Sean Mannion will have to adjust the game plan according to McKee’s skills. While Jalen Hurts is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who relies on his athleticism, McKee likes to pass from the pocket. He has limited mobility compared to Hurts, with almost no rushing threat.
This means the offensive line will have to do a better job of protecting the quarterback as he targets the receivers. Rookie receiver Makai Lemon recently praised McKee, claiming that he was pretty good in practice sessions. According to him, the backup quarterback is ready for the job, and that excited the wideout.
“It’s been smooth, man,” DeVonta Smith further added to McKee’s praise. “He takes command of the offense when he gets his opportunity and things like that. He’s done a great job of making sure everybody’s on the same page and things, so it’s smooth.”
McKee was ready to pounce on the opportunity as a backup quarterback.
“As a quarterback, especially as a backup quarterback, you have to be ready at a moment’s notice,” said McKee. “The thing that’s been nice is the way I prepare, and the way that I’ve been preparing is not going to change. I feel like these last few weeks of being whether it was the three, the two, the one, whatever it was the preparation’s gonna be the same.”
The Eagles’ abrupt decision to place Jalen Hurts on injured reserve proves that a serious medical issue will always supersede the football schedule. Now, it’s time for the Eagles to overhaul their offensive strategy if they want to survive the midseason crisis.