Eagles rule out Jalen Hurts vs. Panthers, McKee to start

The Philadelphia Eagles have ruled quarterback Jalen Hurts out of Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers because of a superficial blood clot, and backup Tanner McKee is set to make his first start of the season at Lincoln Financial Field.

CBS Sports reported Thursday that an ultrasound in London before last weekend’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars found the clot, and that medical staff cleared Hurts to play. A follow-up ultrasound on Wednesday showed movement in the clot, which led to the decision to hold him out. CBS said he could miss more than one game. The Eagles’ official Week 6 injury report lists Hurts as out with a calf injury, the issue he carried after a Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

“His health and safety are our highest priority,” the Eagles said in a statement, as quoted by CBS Sports.

Hurts has completed 57.8 per cent of his passes this season for 933 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions. The Eagles are 2-3 after five games. Their loss to the Jaguars in London ended a franchise-record streak of 76 games at .500 or better, CBS reported.

McKee has played in six NFL games and is 1-1 in two career starts. In his 2024 season finale, he went 27 of 41 for 269 yards and two touchdowns in a 20-13 win over the New York Giants, CBS said. Rookie Cole Payton is also on the quarterback depth chart, and CBS reported that Andy Dalton, who was recently released, is a possible return.

Philadelphia is also thin around its quarterback. The team’s injury report lists running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring), safety Michael Carter II (abdomen), linebacker Jalyx Hunt (knee and ankle) and running back Will Shipley (foot) as out. Linebacker A.J. Epenesa (back) is doubtful. Cornerback Jakorian Bennett (knee), tight end Grant Calcaterra (back), guard Landon Dickerson (knee), centre Drew Kendall (knee) and tight end Eli Stowers (quad) are questionable. Receiver DeVonta Smith has been cleared to play.

Barkley also missed the Week 5 game in London, and Shipley hurt his foot in that loss, Yahoo Sports reported earlier this week. Without Barkley, Dameon Pierce led the Eagles’ backfield against Jacksonville with 14 yards on 11 carries.

Carolina has its own questions. Quarterback Bryce Young appears on the Panthers’ injury report with a knee injury but was a full participant in practice. Running back A.J. Dillon is out, and tackle Monroe Freeling is doubtful.

The Eagles beat the Washington Commanders 24-22 in September, as our NFL highlights report detailed, but they have slipped to 2-3 since. How long Hurts is sidelined could decide whether Philadelphia recovers from the slow start. The offensive line is also changing, with tackle Lane Johnson’s retirement plans already a topic this season.

The Eagles have not said when Hurts will return. Sunday’s game is the first test of the team without its starter.

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Via CBS Sports, Philadelphia Eagles and Yahoo Sports.