The Philadelphia Eagles are set to sign quarterback Joe Milton off the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad, according to multiple reports, as starter Jalen Hurts remains sidelined by what the team has called a superficial blood clot in his calf.
Because NFL rules require any player signed off another team’s practice squad to be placed directly on the new club’s 53-man roster, Milton will be active when Philadelphia hosts the Carolina Panthers this Sunday as the Eagles try to snap a three-game losing streak.
Hurts has been ruled out for the matchup. Backup Tanner McKee, who also started the Week 18 finale last season, will take over as the starting quarterback. The addition of Milton appears likely to push rookie Cole Payton out of the No. 2 spot.
The timeline for Hurts’ return has not been disclosed. The Eagles, however, released a detailed statement explaining how the blood clot was discovered.
“On Thursday, October 8th, Jalen visited the training room after practice requesting treatment for his calf,” the team said. “He informed the medical staff he had been cleated during the Rams game on October 4th. This was his first treatment session for the calf injury following the game, after having practiced in full both Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, Jalen received treatment, practiced in full, and was added to the practice report.”
The team said doctors recommended a follow-up scan after Philadelphia’s game 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. Our medical staff and doctors in London reviewed the results and concluded that activity and mobility were important and that Jalen could safely play. Doctors recommended a follow-up ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and the return flight to Philadelphia.”
Hurts practiced fully the Friday before Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and was not listed on the injury report for the London contest.
Payton, a fifth-round pick in April’s draft, has appeared in just one game this season and has yet to throw a pass in the regular season. Milton has more NFL experience but has never started a game, showing both mobility and arm strength in limited action.
Milton lost the Cowboys’ backup job to Sam Howell during the offseason. “It was shocking. But it’s life. You got to be able to live with it and deliver blows back when it’s time,” Milton said at the time. He spent the past five weeks on Dallas’ practice squad before Philadelphia signed him Friday.
It remains unclear whether the move signals an extended absence for Hurts, who has thrown for 933 yards and eight touchdowns through five games this season.
