The Philadelphia Eagles are set to sign quarterback Joe Milton off the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad, a move that places him on the 53-man roster while Jalen Hurts recovers from a superficial blood clot in his calf. This acquisition appears designed to bolster the quarterback room for the upcoming game against the Carolina Panthers, potentially displacing rookie Cole Payton from the backup role.
Under NFL rules, a player signed from another team's practice squad must be placed on the new team's active roster. Milton will therefore be eligible to play when the Eagles host the Panthers, seeking to end a three-game losing streak. Tanner McKee is expected to start for Philadelphia this Sunday, having filled in for Hurts in Week 18 of the previous season.
Hurts has been ruled out for the upcoming match due to the injury described by the team as a superficial blood clot. The timeline for his return remains unclear, and it is not yet known whether the Eagles expect him to miss an extended period. The team released a detailed statement explaining how the condition was identified. According to the statement, Hurts visited the training room on Thursday, October 8, after practice to request treatment for his calf. He informed medical staff that he had been cleated during the game against the Los Angeles Rams on October 4.
This was Hurts' first treatment session for the calf injury following that game, despite having practiced in full on both Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, he received treatment and practiced in full before being added to the practice report. The team stated that doctors recommended a follow-up scan after the game. An ultrasound was performed on Saturday following the team's flight to London and a walkthrough. The scan revealed the superficial blood clot.
Medical staff and doctors in London reviewed the results and concluded that activity and mobility were important, determining that Hurts could safely play. They recommended a follow-up ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and upon the return flight to Philadelphia. Hurts was considered a full participant in Friday's practice leading into the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and was not listed on the injury report for that contest in London.
Milton brings slightly more NFL experience than Payton, who was selected in the fifth round of April's draft. Payton has appeared in one game this season but has yet to attempt a pass in a regular-season contest. While Milton has never started a game, limited action has shown mobility and arm strength that made him an intriguing prospect. He was added to Dallas' practice squad after losing the backup job to Sam Howell during the offseason. Milton described that decision as shocking at the time, noting he had spent five weeks on the practice squad before the Eagles contacted him Friday.
Hurts has thrown for 933 yards and eight touchdowns in five games this season.