Eagles Sign Joe Milton to Address Quarterback Emergency After Jalen Hurts' Blood Clot Diagnosis

The Philadelphia Eagles are signing quarterback Joe Milton from the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad following an emergency situation created by starting quarterback Jalen Hurts' diagnosis of a blood clot in his calf.

Hurts will miss at least one game, a matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The Eagles' general manager, Howie Roseman, moved quickly to secure Milton, who was the third-string quarterback in Dallas behind Dak Prescott and Sam Howell.

According to a statement released by the Eagles on Thursday, Hurts sustained the injury when he was cleated in the calf during the Eagles' October 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams. Hurts had mentioned the injury vaguely on Wednesday, describing it as a "very unique experience."

Despite the injury, Hurts practiced last week and informed the medical staff after practice on October 8. He participated in practice the following day before the team's trip to London. He played in the Eagles' 19-17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, completing 21 of 40 passes for 220 yards and one touchdown. This marked the Eagles' third consecutive loss after an initial 2-0 start to the season.

Following the flight to London, an ultrasound was performed on Saturday. The Eagles stated that the ultrasound revealed a superficial blood clot. Medical staff in London reviewed the results, concluding that Hurts could safely play, and recommended a follow-up ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and the return flight to Philadelphia.

Upon returning to Philadelphia, Hurts underwent treatment on Monday and Tuesday. He was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, but an additional ultrasound revealed "movement in the small blood clot." The Eagles indicated that the appropriate course of treatment would be determined, with no immediate timetable for his return.

With Hurts sidelined, 26-year-old Tanner McKee is expected to start at quarterback against the Panthers, with Milton likely serving as the backup. McKee has been the primary backup for the past two seasons but lost the position to veteran Andy Dalton during training camp. Dalton was released last Friday after his performance in a Week 3 loss to Chicago. Mckee, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 draft, has two career starts, both in Week 18 games where the Eagles had already secured playoff seeding and rested Hurts. He has completed 54 of 88 passes for five touchdowns and one interception in his career.

This season, Hurts has thrown for 933 yards, with eight touchdown passes and three interceptions. He has previously led the Eagles to two Super Bowl appearances, including a championship win in the 2024 season. Hurts is currently in the midst of a five-year, $255 million contract extension, with $179.3 million guaranteed, through the 2028 season.