Breaking: Jalen Hurts Placed on IR, Out Indefinitely

Image Source: ESPN

Jalen Hurts has been placed on injured reserve after the Philadelphia Eagles consulted with numerous doctors and medical experts about a blood clot in his calf. The move, officially announced Saturday, October 17, means the star quarterback will be sidelined indefinitely.

According to ESPN and NFL Network sources, Philadelphia spent several days gathering additional information before making a roster decision. The Eagles had previously ruled Hurts out for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers, but the team waited before determining the next step in his treatment and recovery.

Jalen Hurts Faces Indefinite Absence After Blood Clot Diagnosis

The Eagles believe Hurts’ blood clot is treatable, but his return will be determined by his medical team. The organization has emphasized that it will not rush the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback back onto the field.

Medical experts who have not personally examined Hurts told ESPN that the recovery timeline could vary significantly depending on the clot’s size, location and response to treatment. Some doctors suggested that the quarterback could miss several weeks, with one estimate placing the potential absence at approximately six weeks.

Blood clots are commonly treated with anticoagulants, often called blood thinners. However, players generally cannot compete while taking blood-thinning medication because of the risk of bleeding. If Hurts requires that treatment, his time away could extend into the middle or later portion of the season.

What Games Will Jalen Hurts Miss?

With Hurts on injured reserve, he is expected to miss at least the Eagles’ next four games before the team’s Week 10 bye. Philadelphia’s upcoming schedule includes:

• Carolina Panthers
• Dallas Cowboys
• Washington Commanders
• New York Giants

The bye week will give the Eagles additional time to evaluate Hurts’ condition and determine how his recovery is progressing. It could also provide a natural checkpoint for the team’s medical staff and coaching staff to reassess his availability.

Tanner McKee Takes Over as Eagles Quarterback

Tanner McKee will start for Philadelphia against the Panthers. Rookie Cole Payton has been promoted to the backup role, while the Eagles also signed Joe Milton off the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad.

Under NFL rules, Milton must remain on Philadelphia’s roster for three weeks. The move gives the Eagles additional quarterback depth during a turbulent stretch that has already placed heavy pressure on the offense.

Hurts’ absence comes as Philadelphia deals with injuries to running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver DeVonta Smith. The Eagles have also faced major organizational changes, including the retirement of future Hall of Fame offensive tackle Lane Johnson and the trade of Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens.

Philadelphia’s Offense Already Under Pressure

The Eagles were struggling offensively even before losing their starting quarterback. Philadelphia enters Sunday ranked near the bottom of the NFL in several major categories.

• 18.4 points per game, ranking 29th in the NFL
• 262.2 total yards per game, ranking 31st
• 4.5 yards per play, ranking 30th
• 170.6 passing yards per game, ranking 28th

The Eagles have also failed to score at least 25 points in seven consecutive regular-season games, their longest such streak since Nick Sirianni became head coach in 2021. Philadelphia has gone three-and-out on 38% of its possessions, the highest rate in the league this season.

The second half has been especially difficult. The Eagles have gone three-and-out on 52% of their second-half possessions and have been outgained by an NFL-leading 115 yards per game after halftime. That offensive decline makes the quarterback transition even more important.

What Comes Next for the Eagles?

The immediate priority is Hurts’ health, not a specific return date. Philadelphia has indicated that it will follow medical advice and allow the quarterback the time necessary to heal properly.

For now, McKee faces the challenge of guiding an offense that has struggled to sustain drives while playing behind an unsettled supporting cast. The Eagles will likely lean on their defense, running game and short-passing attack as they attempt to remain competitive during Hurts’ absence.

The situation remains fluid, and the Week 10 bye could become a pivotal moment in Philadelphia’s season. Until then, the Eagles must prepare for multiple games without their franchise quarterback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Jalen Hurts placed on injured reserve?

Jalen Hurts was placed on injured reserve because of a superficial blood clot in his calf. The Eagles made the decision after consulting with doctors and medical experts.

How long will Jalen Hurts be out?

Hurts is expected to be out indefinitely. Doctors familiar with similar cases suggested that the absence could last several weeks, potentially around six weeks, depending on his treatment and recovery.

Who will start for the Eagles?

Tanner McKee will start at quarterback for Philadelphia. Rookie Cole Payton is expected to serve as the backup.

Which games is Hurts expected to miss?

Hurts is expected to miss games against the Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders and New York Giants before Philadelphia’s Week 10 bye.