The Philadelphia Eagles ruled starting quarterback Jalen Hurts out of Sunday’s home game against the Carolina Panthers because of a superficial blood clot in his calf, and the team has been linked to a possible reunion with recently released veteran Andy Dalton.
The Eagles announced Thursday that a follow-up ultrasound performed Wednesday night showed movement in the small blood clot. The team said Hurts will miss the Week 6 matchup while doctors determine the appropriate course of treatment, adding that his health and safety remain the top priority.
Tanner McKee is expected to make the start against the Panthers, with rookie Cole Payton serving as the backup if the depth chart stays unchanged. Philadelphia carried four quarterbacks for much of the season before releasing Dalton last week to free a roster spot amid other injuries.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Dalton remains an option.
“Andy Dalton is an option to return for the Eagles. He’s had a few teams check in with him since the team released him, per sources, though there’s familiarity and a clear role in Philly for him if he decides to return,” Garafolo said.
The 38-year-old Dalton spent several months with the Eagles after the team acquired him from the Carolina Panthers in a March trade that sent a 2027 seventh-round pick the other way. He competed with McKee for the No. 2 job through the spring and summer and opened the regular season as the official backup.
Dalton entered the Week 3 game at Chicago while Hurts underwent a concussion evaluation. On his only pass attempt, Dalton threw a red-zone interception. The Eagles later demoted him to third string and released him before the trip to London for the Jaguars game.
If Dalton does not return, Philadelphia will enter Sunday with McKee as the starter and Payton as the only other quarterback on the active roster. The Eagles are 2-3 and have lost three straight games, scoring 18.4 points per game this season.
Hurts has completed 89 of 154 passes for 933 yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions in five starts. He has also rushed 23 times for 107 yards and one score. His passer rating stands at 84.7.
The calf issue first drew attention before the London game. The Eagles said an ultrasound performed after the flight revealed the superficial clot, but medical staff cleared Hurts to play without limitation. He completed 21 of 40 passes for 220 yards and one touchdown in the 19-17 loss to Jacksonville.
McKee, a 2023 sixth-round pick, has completed 54 of 88 career passes for 597 yards with five touchdowns and one interception. He has appeared in six regular-season games and made two starts.
Dalton enters free agency with 39,793 career passing yards, 254 touchdowns and 152 interceptions across 180 games. The three-time Pro Bowl selection spent nine seasons as the Bengals’ starter before later stints with Dallas, Chicago, New Orleans and Carolina.
The Eagles have not indicated how long Hurts will be sidelined beyond Sunday. The Panthers enter the game at 2-2.
Philadelphia’s offense has ranked near the bottom of the league in scoring through five weeks. Adding experienced depth at quarterback could provide insurance if Hurts’ absence extends beyond one game.
Garafolo noted that other teams have inquired about Dalton since his release, but the familiarity in Philadelphia could make a return the simplest option for both sides.
