Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts landed on the injured reserve list due to a superficial blood clot in his right calf, sidelining the 28-year-old starter for an indefinite period. According to reporting by ran.joyn.de, the injury stems from an incident where an opposing player stepped on his lower leg. Hurts attempted to play through the discomfort across subsequent weeks before team medical staff uncovered the clotting issue during an examination in London ahead of a Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The medical timeline released by the team and detailed by NFL.com outlines that Hurts first sought treatment on October 8. An ultrasound performed on October 10 following the team’s flight to England revealed the blood clot, though physicians initially cleared him to play in the 19-17 loss to Jacksonville. A follow-up ultrasound conducted in the United States on Wednesday showed movement within the clot, prompting team doctors to halt his playing status and gather multiple medical opinions before placing him on the reserve list.
Tanner McKee Steps Into Starting Role Amid Roster Shuffling
With Hurts sidelined after dropping three consecutive games to push Philadelphia’s record to 2-3, backup duties shift to Tanner McKee. In his first three NFL seasons, McKee has appeared in six career games, compiling a 1-1 record as a starter with 597 passing yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. The previous backup, Andy Dalton, was released in Week 5.
We have placed QB Jalen Hurts on the Injured Reserve list and signed RB Jaydon Blue to the active roster. OLB Keyshawn James-Newby and S Cole Wisniewski have been elevated for the game. pic.twitter.com/AnmkX7KteY
To bolster depth behind McKee, the Eagles signed quarterback Joe Milton III off the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad on Friday, as noted by Flashscore.de, alongside fifth-round rookie Cole Payton. The offensive unit faces mounting challenges beyond the quarterback position, entering Week 6 ranked 29th in points scored and 30th in total yardage. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith and tight end Dallas Goedert have each missed two games, while running back Saquon Barkley remains sidelined with a hamstring injury alongside primary backups on the injured reserve list, leaving Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele to handle backfield duties.
Caleb Williams Set to Return for Chicago Bears
While Philadelphia searches for stability under center, the Chicago Bears prepare for the return of starting quarterback Caleb Williams. The second-year signal-caller missed action beginning in Week 2 due to a right thigh injury sustained earlier in the autumn. Having completed his rehabilitation, Williams is cleared to resume starting duties against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6.
Williams’ return offers a significant boost to a Chicago offense that has navigated weeks without its primary orchestrator. His presence alters the dynamic for a Bears squad looking to establish offensive rhythm as the mid-point of the NFL regular season approaches.
Lamar Jackson Remains Sidelined for Baltimore Ravens
Head coach Jesse Minter announced that the star quarterback’s recovery from an ankle injury requires additional time, making this week’s matchup premature for his return.
Next Steps on the NFL Schedule
The Philadelphia Eagles host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, October 18, 2026, marking Tanner McKee’s first start of the season. Concurrently, the Chicago Bears face the Atlanta Falcons, and the Baltimore Ravens meet the Cleveland Browns as the league moves through Week 6 fixtures.
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