Eagles weigh short-term IR for Jalen Hurts as blood clot worsens

Philadelphia is expected to decide Saturday whether to place quarterback Jalen Hurts on short-term injured reserve after a blood clot in his calf migrated, a development team medical director Dr. Rapoport described as serious. Hurts will undergo treatment that could include blood-thinners, which would keep him out of action, and the team anticipates he will miss Week 6 and possibly beyond.

Tanner McKee, the 26-year-old backup, is set to start the upcoming game against the Carolina Panthers. McKee, a 6-foot-6, 231-pound pocket passer with limited regular-season experience, has two career starts and has appeared in two other contests, averaging 6.8 yards per attempt and a 73.8 percent adjusted completion rate. Rookie Cole Payton remains the third-string quarterback.

The Eagles released a statement confirming that Hurts suffered a cleat impact to his calf in Week 4, prompting an ultrasound that identified a superficial clot. After treatment and a cleared status for Week 5, a follow-up scan showed the clot had moved, leading the team to rule him out for the next week while they assess his condition.

Andy Dalton, who was released last week, is still being considered as an emergency option, according to NFL Network analyst Mike Garafolo. The team has not indicated how long Hurts might remain unavailable.

The Eagles’ offense has struggled in recent games, with Hurts posting modest rushing and passing numbers and the unit failing to convert on third down. The upcoming matchup will test the depth of Philadelphia’s quarterback roster and the effectiveness of its game plan without its starter.