Eagles place Jalen Hurts on injured reserve after superficial calf blood clot

The Philadelphia Eagles placed quarterback Jalen Hurts on injured reserve Saturday because of “the superficial blood clot in his calf,” turning what had been a one-game absence into a larger roster setback and sidelining the franchise quarterback for at least the next four games.

Hurts had already been ruled out for Sunday’s Week 6 game against the Carolina Panthers, with Tanner McKee set to start in his place. Under current NFL rules, a player placed on injured reserve must miss at least four regular-season games before he is eligible to return, making Saturday’s move far more significant than simply sitting Hurts for one weekend.

The team had said in an Oct. 15 statement that Hurts sought treatment for his calf after practice on Oct. 8 and that an ultrasound later found the issue. “The ultrasound revealed a superficial blood clot,” the Eagles said. The team added: “On Wednesday night, a follow-up ultrasound revealed movement in the small blood clot.” The Eagles said at the time that “His health and safety are our highest priority.” Earlier national reports Saturday had indicated Philadelphia was not expected to place Hurts on IR while gathering medical opinions, but the team made the move later in the day.

Philadelphia also signed running back Jaydon Blue from the practice squad to the active roster, putting him in line to make his Eagles debut Sunday. Blue joined the practice squad on Sept. 1 after entering the NFL as a fifth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2025 out of Texas. He appeared in five games for Dallas last season, rushing for 129 yards and one touchdown on 34 carries. The move comes as the Eagles deal with backfield injuries: Will Shipley was placed on injured reserve Friday, and Saquon Barkley has been ruled out for Week 6.

The Eagles also elevated outside linebacker Keyshawn James-Newby and safety Cole Wisniewski from the practice squad for Sunday’s game; both rookies are in line for their NFL debuts. A day earlier, Philadelphia added quarterback Joe Milton from the Cowboys’ practice squad, another sign the team was moving quickly to reinforce its depth behind McKee after Hurts’ status changed.

For the Eagles, the loss goes beyond a routine injury absence: Hurts is the team’s starting quarterback, franchise centerpiece and the Super Bowl LIX MVP.