The Philadelphia Eagles do not plan to place quarterback Jalen Hurts on injured reserve even though he is out indefinitely with a superficial blood clot in his calf, sources told ESPN on Saturday.
The team has not even discussed the possibility of injured reserve, according to those sources. Placing Hurts on IR would force him to miss a minimum of four games.
Hurts, 28, has already been ruled out for Sunday’s home game against the Carolina Panthers. The Eagles are 2-3 and looking to snap a three-game losing streak. Tanner McKee is expected to start in his place.
Through five games this season, Hurts has completed 89 of 154 passes (57.8 percent) for 933 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions. He has also rushed for 107 yards and one touchdown. His passer rating stands at 84.7.
The Super Bowl LIX MVP has dealt with limited absences since becoming the full-time starter. He has missed only four games due to injury in that span.
A follow-up ultrasound Wednesday night showed movement in the small clot that was first detected before the Eagles’ loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Hurts practiced fully earlier that day but was held out afterward while the team evaluates treatment options.
Players cannot compete while taking blood thinners, which are a common treatment for such clots. Some doctors not involved in Hurts’ care have estimated he could miss as many as six weeks, though the Eagles are still gathering medical opinions.
The team faces four games over the next 22 days: home against the Panthers, home against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night, at the Washington Commanders on Sunday night and home against the New York Giants. Their bye falls in Week 10.
Keeping Hurts on the active roster preserves flexibility for a potential earlier return if cleared by his medical team. The earliest he could return after an IR designation would be the Nov. 22 home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Eagles are already operating with a reduced roster because they have retained retired right tackle Lane Johnson for salary-cap purposes related to his 2027 deal. That leaves them with effectively 52 players on the 53-man roster and only 51 available, two fewer than other teams.
Johnson announced his retirement earlier this month after three games, citing the need to focus on his mental health. The Eagles plan to process the move as a post-June 1 cut next year to spread the cap hit.
Philadelphia added quarterback Joe Milton III from the Cowboys’ practice squad and placed running back Will Shipley on injured reserve to create space. Cole Payton is also available behind McKee.
No official timetable has been released for Hurts’ return. The ultimate decision rests with the team’s medical staff, and Philadelphia has said his health remains the top priority.
