Philadelphia – The Philadelphia Eagles announced they are signing quarterback Joe Milton from the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad, moving him onto the 53‑man roster ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Carolina Panthers. The move comes as starter Jalen Hurts was ruled out after team doctors identified a superficial blood clot in his calf.
Hurts out, Milton in
Hurts, the Super Bowl LIX MVP, has been a model of durability, starting all 17 games in 2023 and missing only two games with a concussion in 2024. He sat out the regular‑season finale last year as the Eagles rested starters for the playoffs. This season he has thrown for 933 yards and eight touchdowns in five games, but a recent ultrasound revealed a clot that, while not immediately dangerous, requires careful monitoring.
The team’s statement explained that Hurts sought treatment for his calf on October 8 after feeling the injury during the Rams game on October 4. He practiced fully on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday before the clot was discovered on an ultrasound performed after the team’s flight to London. Doctors concluded that, with proper caution, Hurts could safely return, but a follow‑up scan is scheduled within 72 hours of the next game.
Milton’s background
Joe Milton spent the past five weeks on the Cowboys’ practice squad after losing the backup job to Sam Howell during the offseason. Milton, who never started an NFL game, has shown flashes of mobility and arm strength in limited action. He said he was surprised by his release from Dallas, noting, “It was shocking. But it’s life. You got to be able to live with it and deliver blows back when it’s time.”
Under NFL rules, a player signed from another team’s practice squad must be placed on the active roster, guaranteeing Milton a spot on the Eagles’ 53‑man roster for the upcoming game.
Impact on the Eagles’ quarterback room
Backup Tanner McKee will start this weekend, having filled in for Hurts in Week 18 of the 2025 season. The addition of Milton creates a three‑quarterback depth chart and could push rookie fifth‑round pick Cole Payton further down the pecking order. Payton has appeared in only one game this season and has not yet attempted a pass in a regular‑season contest.
Coach Nick Sirianni praised the depth move, stating that having a quarterback with NFL experience, even without a start, adds valuable insurance as the team seeks to halt a three‑game losing streak.
What’s next for Hurts?
The timeline for Hurts’ return remains uncertain. The Eagles will continue to monitor his condition with follow‑up ultrasounds and will make a decision based on medical guidance. In the meantime, the team hopes Milton can provide reliable backup support and keep the offense competitive.
Philadelphia fans will be watching closely as the Eagles aim to rebound from recent defeats and secure a playoff berth. The roster adjustment underscores the organization’s commitment to fielding a healthy, competitive team despite the challenges posed by injuries.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
