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

The Eagles placed Jalen Hurts on injured reserve Saturday, completing the move reported earlier in the afternoon as the quarterback continues treatment for a superficial blood clot in his calf. Philadelphia used the open roster spot to sign running back Jaydon Blue from its practice squad.

Hurts must miss 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. No return date has been set.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the decision after further consultations with doctors and specialists. That reversed the plan reported Saturday morning to keep Hurts off injured reserve. The Eagles’ 4:16 p.m. announcement made the transaction official.

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. 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.

Blue gets his chance in Philadelphia

Blue joined the Eagles’ practice squad on September 1 after Dallas waived him during final cuts. The Cowboys had selected the Texas running back in the fifth round of the 2025 draft. He rushed for 129 yards and one touchdown on 34 carries across five games as a rookie. Philadelphia said he is positioned to make his Eagles debut Sunday.

The Eagles also elevated rookie outside linebacker Keyshawn James-Newby and safety Cole Wisniewski for the Carolina game. Both could make their NFL debuts.

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.