Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-16**Lead**
The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly exploring a move to add a quarterback from the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad as starter Jalen Hurts deals with a blood clot diagnosis, according to multiple league sources familiar with the situation. The development, first reported late Wednesday, has sent ripples through the NFC East as the Eagles navigate an uncertain timeline for their franchise signal-caller. While the team has not confirmed any roster transaction, the front office is said to be evaluating all available options to ensure depth behind backup Kenny Pickett.
**Contexto**
Jalen Hurts, 28, was diagnosed with a blood clot in his lower leg after experiencing discomfort following the team's Week 5 victory over the Cleveland Browns. The Eagles have stated that Hurts is receiving treatment and that the condition is considered manageable, but no definitive return date has been established. Blood clots in athletes, while serious, have been successfully treated in recent years—most notably with NBA star Victor Wembanyama, who missed the end of his rookie season with a similar issue but returned to full health. The Eagles' medical staff is following a protocol that includes blood thinners and monitoring, which typically sidelines a player for several weeks to avoid injury risk during anticoagulant therapy.
With Hurts sidelined, the Eagles have turned to Kenny Pickett, the former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick acquired in the offseason as the primary backup. Pickett started in Week 6 against the New York Giants, completing 18 of 29 passes for 214 yards and a touchdown in a 24-20 loss. While Pickett has shown flashes, the Eagles' coaching staff is reportedly concerned about the lack of proven depth behind him. Third-stringer Tanner McKee has yet to take a regular-season snap, and the team is seeking a more experienced option to stabilize the quarterback room during what could be a multi-week absence.
The player under consideration from the Cowboys' practice squad is believed to be Trey Lance, the former No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Lance, 26, was traded from the San Francisco 49ers to Dallas in 2023 and has spent the past two seasons as a developmental project behind Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush. He has not appeared in a regular-season game since 2022, but his athleticism and arm talent have kept him on NFL rosters. The Cowboys have Lance on their practice squad as an emergency option, and while they would be reluctant to strengthen a division rival, a trade or direct signing could be negotiated if the Eagles offer suitable compensation.
**Analise**
This potential move underscores the precarious nature of NFL quarterback depth and the heightened stakes of divisional matchups. For the Eagles, adding a player like Lance would not only provide insurance but also a stylistic contrast to Pickett—Lance's mobility and downfield throwing ability could offer offensive coordinator Kellen Moore a different dimension if Pickett struggles. However, the logistics of acquiring a player from a division rival mid-season are complicated. The Cowboys would need to either release Lance or agree to a trade, and Philadelphia would have to absorb his practice squad salary or negotiate a new contract. Given the rivalry, Dallas may demand a premium, but the Eagles' urgency could override any reluctance.
The broader implication is the NFL's evolving approach to player health and roster flexibility. Blood clots, once a career-threatening diagnosis, are now managed with modern medicine, but teams must plan for extended absences. The Eagles' proactive scouting of available quarterbacks signals a league-wide trend: no team can afford to be complacent with its backup situation. For Hurts, the focus remains on his long-term health, and the organization has emphasized that no timeline will be rushed. Still, the competitive window in Philadelphia is open, and every game without their MVP-caliber quarterback carries weight in a tightly contested NFC.
If the Eagles finalize a deal for Lance, it would mark a rare mid-season transaction between bitter rivals, adding another chapter to one of the NFL's most storied feuds. The move would also give Lance a fresh opportunity to resurrect a career that has been stalled since his early days in San Francisco. For now, the Eagles are keeping their cards close, but the message is clear: they are preparing for the worst while hoping for the best.
**Fontes**
This report is based on information from ESPN's Adam Schefter, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, and team statements from the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. Medical context on blood clot management in athletes is drawn from published reports on Victor Wembanyama's recovery and NFL injury protocols.