Eagles not planning to place Jalen Hurts on injured reserve as blood clot information gathering continues

The Eagles are not planning to place quarterback Jalen Hurts on injured reserve at this time, even as he remains sidelined indefinitely due to a superficial blood clot, according to league sources.

The decision to hold off on IR means Philadelphia preserves roster flexibility. Placing Hurts on IR would require a minimum four-game absence before he could be activated, effectively ending any chance of a mid-season return. By keeping him off IR, the Eagles leave open the possibility that Hurts could be cleared sooner than that window would allow.

Hurts was initially diagnosed with the blood clot last week after experiencing calf swelling following Philadelphia's Week 5 loss to the Cowboys. He was officially ruled out for the Panthers game Friday. The team has not disclosed a timetable beyond saying he is out indefinitely while information gathering continues, per Ian Rapoport and Schefter.

The decision comes against a broader backfield crisis for the Eagles. Saquon Barkley was ruled out for Sunday's game against Carolina, Will Shipley was placed on injured reserve, and DeVonta Smith was limited in practice before being cleared to play. With Hurts sidelined and the backfield thinned, the Eagles are expected to start Joe Milton — signed off the Cowboys practice squad Friday — for the second straight week.