Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will miss Sunday’s Week 6 game against the Carolina Panthers after a follow-up scan showed movement in a small blood clot in his calf. Backup Tanner McKee will start at Lincoln Financial Field as the Eagles try to snap a three-game losing streak.
The Eagles confirmed the news in an official team statement on Thursday (US time), early Friday morning in Australia. The club did not put a timeframe on Hurts’ return, saying only that he will be out “as we determine the appropriate course of treatment”.
McKee, a fourth-year backup, will start, the Eagles confirmed in their Thursday injury report. It will be his first start in a game that isn’t a regular-season finale. Kickoff against the Panthers is 1pm Sunday US Eastern time, which is 4am Monday 19 October AEDT.
Hurts has thrown for 933 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions this season, according to NFL.com. He completed 21 of 40 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown in last Sunday’s 19-17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
What the Eagles said
The club laid out a detailed timeline. Hurts asked for treatment on his calf after practice on Thursday 8 October and told medical staff he had been cleated during the Week 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams on 4 October. He practised in full and was added to the practice report the following day.
Read more: Jaguars Beat Eagles 19-17 on Walk-Off Kick in London
“Out of an abundance of caution, an ultrasound was performed on Saturday following the team’s flight to London and walkthrough. The ultrasound revealed a superficial blood clot,” the Eagles said. “Our medical staff and doctors in London reviewed the results and concluded that activity and mobility were important and that Jalen could safely play.”
Hurts played without limitation against the Jaguars and practised in full on Wednesday, the team said, adding that it had “remained in communication with the league office regarding the matter” throughout.
“On Wednesday night, a follow-up ultrasound revealed movement in the small blood clot,” the statement said. “Jalen will be out for Sunday’s game vs. the Panthers as we determine the appropriate course of treatment. His health and safety are our highest priority.”
McKee gets his chance
McKee, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has made two career starts, both in Week 18 when Philadelphia rested Hurts. Across his NFL appearances he has 597 passing yards, five touchdowns and one interception at a 61.4 per cent completion rate, according to the Eagles.
“Every opportunity you get to play is a huge opportunity, especially being a sixth-round pick. Every opportunity is a huge opportunity. I’m obviously very excited and ready to make the most of it,” McKee told the Eagles’ website on Thursday.
“That’s the NFL. The preparation is the same. I felt I was ready at any moment these last few weeks, so nothing changes from that standpoint,” he said.
Read more: NFL Injury Report Week 6: Lamar, Penix and Key Names to Watch
Banged-up Eagles face first-place Panthers
Hurts’ absence is the latest blow in a tough season for Philadelphia, which has already lost right tackle Lane Johnson to retirement. Star running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) did not practise for a second straight day on Thursday, while wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring/toe) returned in a limited capacity for the first time since preparing for Week 3.
“You’ll never get me making any excuse for anything,” coach Nick Sirianni said in comments reported by AP. “Our job is to find ways to win regardless and that’s what we’re working on doing.”
Carolina comes in at 2-2 and alone in first place in the NFC South after an early bye, with quarterback Bryce Young on pace for 5,389 passing yards and 38 touchdowns, according to AP.
For Australian fans, left tackle Jordan Mailata was not listed on the Eagles’ Thursday injury report ahead of the Panthers game.
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