The Philadelphia Eagles face a difficult quarterback situation after Jalen Hurts was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs, a development that is expected to sideline the star for the remainder of the 2026 season. The team must now prepare for an extended stretch without its franchise quarterback.
The setback became more complicated after veteran quarterback Andy Dalton reportedly declined an offer to return to Philadelphia. The Eagles had released Dalton earlier in October, but Hurts’ worsening medical situation created a new need for experienced depth at the position.
Philadelphia is coming off a 25-14 loss to the Carolina Panthers, dropping its record to 2-4. With Tanner McKee taking over as the starter, the Eagles must balance immediate quarterback needs with the uncertainty surrounding Hurts’ recovery.
Hurts faces a serious health challenge
Hurts’ absence began with what the Eagles initially described as a superficial blood clot in his left calf. The team said he first sought treatment on Oct. 8 after being cleated during Philadelphia’s Oct. 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
An ultrasound performed in London before the Eagles’ Oct. 11 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars detected the clot. After consulting medical professionals, the team said doctors determined that Hurts could safely play, and he started the game without reported limitations.
Further testing after the game revealed movement in the clot. Hurts was ruled out against Carolina and placed on injured reserve Oct. 17. On Oct. 19, the Eagles and his agent, Nicole Lynn, announced that additional evaluations had identified deep vein thrombosis and blood clots in both lungs.
Philadelphia expects Hurts to miss the rest of the season
The latest diagnosis significantly changed the outlook for Hurts’ availability. The joint statement from the Eagles and Lynn said he would receive treatment with blood thinners and could not participate in contact activities, including football, during treatment.
The statement described Hurts as clinically stable and said his prognosis was very good, with a full recovery expected. The organization also anticipated that he would have no long-term effects, although his return to contact football depends on his medical progress.
For Philadelphia, that means planning without Hurts rather than waiting for a routine injury update. The quarterback’s health remains the priority, while the coaching staff must determine how to keep the offense competitive during his absence.
Andy Dalton reportedly declined a return offer
Dalton’s reported decision added another complication to the Eagles’ quarterback plans. According to Pro Football Talk, Philadelphia approached the veteran about returning after Hurts was sidelined, but Dalton politely declined.
The report arrived just days after the Eagles released Dalton, who had joined the team in March. Philadelphia had acquired him from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a 2027 seventh-round draft pick, giving the club an experienced option behind Hurts.
Dalton’s refusal was reported by media outlets, not announced in an official team statement. His reasons for declining were not confirmed, so it would be premature to assume that the decision reflected a dispute with Philadelphia or a lack of confidence in the team.
Tanner McKee takes over as the starting quarterback
With Hurts unavailable, McKee became Philadelphia’s starting quarterback for the Oct. 18 game against Carolina. The 2023 sixth-round draft pick was asked to lead an offense dealing with injuries and a four-game losing streak.
McKee completed 26 of 45 passes for 215 yards, 1 touchdown and no interceptions in the Eagles’ 25-14 defeat. The result left Philadelphia at 2-4, adding pressure on a team that entered the season with expectations of competing near the top of the NFC.
The performance offered a first look at McKee’s ability to handle the starting role under difficult circumstances. One game, however, cannot establish whether he can sustain the offense over several weeks, especially against opponents preparing specifically for him.
Joe Milton adds another option to the quarterback room
Philadelphia also moved to strengthen its depth by signing Joe Milton III from the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad. The transaction followed Hurts’ initial diagnosis and gave the Eagles another quarterback as they prepared for the game against the Panthers.
Milton was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He later spent time with Dallas, appearing in regular-season games before Philadelphia brought him aboard during the 2026 season.
The move gives the coaching staff another player to evaluate, but it does not immediately resolve the question of who should lead the offense long term. McKee remains the established starter in Hurts’ absence, while Milton and rookie Cole Payton provide additional options.
The Eagles must adjust without their franchise quarterback
Hurts is central to Philadelphia’s offense because he contributes both as a passer and as a runner. Replacing that combination is difficult, even with a capable backup, because the playbook and the team’s approach must account for a different quarterback’s strengths.
McKee’s style and experience differ from Hurts’, which could influence how often Philadelphia relies on designed quarterback runs, quick passes or longer-developing plays. The coaching staff may need to simplify certain decisions while building confidence in its new starter.
The challenge extends beyond the quarterback position. Philadelphia has also dealt with injuries to key offensive players, including running back Saquon Barkley, making consistency harder to achieve. The offense needs reliable protection, productive rushing and fewer turnovers to give McKee a workable path forward.
Dalton’s decision raises questions about quarterback depth
Dalton’s reported rejection highlights how quickly a team’s roster plans can change when a starting quarterback faces an extended absence. Philadelphia had released him earlier in the month, only to reportedly consider bringing him back after Hurts’ condition worsened.
A veteran quarterback can offer experience in preparation, game management and communication with receivers. However, the Eagles cannot assume Dalton would have returned even with a stronger offer, and his reported decision does not reveal his next career move.
The Eagles have instead turned to the quarterbacks currently available to them. Their immediate priority is establishing a dependable weekly plan, rather than allowing speculation about Dalton or future roster moves to distract from the players already in the building.
Philadelphia’s season now depends on adapting quickly
At 2-4, the Eagles have little room for more setbacks if they want to remain in contention. Hurts’ expected season-long absence complicates matters, but the team’s next steps will depend on how effectively the offense adapts and whether the defense can provide support.
The medical outlook offers some reassurance: the joint statement said Hurts is expected to recover fully and avoid long-term effects. Still, no return date for contact football was confirmed, and the team must follow medical guidance rather than set a football-driven deadline.
Philadelphia’s immediate path is clear even if the longer-term picture remains uncertain. McKee must prepare as the starter, Milton and Payton must provide depth, and the coaching staff must find ways to produce more consistently while Hurts focuses on recovery.
Fun fact: Jalen Hurts co-authored a children’s book titled Better Than a Touchdown, released in March 2026, to encourage young readers to believe in themselves and persevere through challenges.
TL;DR
- Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the rest of the 2026 season after doctors found blood clots in both lungs.
- The Eagles and Hurts’ agent said he is clinically stable and expected to make a full recovery.
- Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton reportedly declined Philadelphia’s offer to return after being released earlier in October.
- Tanner McKee started against Carolina, throwing for 215 yards and an interception in a 25-14 loss.
- Philadelphia signed Joe Milton III from the Cowboys’ practice squad as it works to strengthen its quarterback depth.
This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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