Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-17**Lead**
The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to sign a quarterback from the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad to shore up their depth chart as starter Jalen Hurts deals with a blood clot, according to multiple reports. The move, which could become official within the next 24 hours, comes as the Eagles navigate one of the most critical stretches of their season without their franchise quarterback at full health.
**Contexto**
Jalen Hurts, the Eagles' two-time Pro Bowl quarterback, was diagnosed with a blood clot earlier this week after experiencing unusual discomfort following the team's Week 6 victory. Team physicians have placed him under a treatment protocol, and while the organization has not ruled out a return later in the season, sources indicate Hurts will miss an indefinite period. Blood clots require careful management, and the Eagles have emphasized that Hurts' long-term health takes priority over any timeline for his return.
Philadelphia's current backup situation has heightened the urgency. Backup Kenny Pickett, who was acquired in the offseason to provide experienced depth, has been battling a minor ankle issue. Third-stringer Tanner McKee has shown promise in limited preseason work but has never taken a regular-season snap. With the NFC East race tightening and a brutal upcoming slate that includes road games against division rivals and Super Bowl contenders, the Eagles cannot afford to be caught shorthanded at the most important position.
The move for a Cowboys practice squad quarterback is a direct response to that reality. Dallas has a surplus of young quarterbacks competing for limited roster spots, and their practice squad features a player who impressed the Eagles' scouting staff during the preseason. The Eagles are expected to sign the quarterback to their active roster, though a practice squad addition is also possible if they need flexibility with their 53-man roster. The specific arrangement has not been finalized, but Philadelphia's front office has been working the phones aggressively since Hurts' diagnosis became known.
**Analise**
The decision to pluck a player from a division rival's practice squad carries symbolic weight. The Eagles and Cowboys have one of the NFL's most intense rivalries, and personnel moves between the two clubs are rare. More importantly, this move signals that Philadelphia views its current quarterback depth as insufficient for a potential extended absence. By turning to a practice squad arm, the Eagles are prioritizing proven NFL bodies over developmental prospects, even if the player in question has limited regular-season experience.
This roster move also highlights the shifting dynamics of quarterback depth across the league. Practice squads have become fertile ground for emergency quarterbacks, especially for teams with Super Bowl aspirations. The Eagles are not looking for a long-term replacement; they need someone who can step in for a quarter or two, or even start a game or two, without missing a beat. The Cowboys' practice squad quarterback fits that profile because he has been running a similar offensive scheme and has had the benefit of working against a talented Dallas defense every day.
The timing is particularly challenging for Philadelphia. With Hurts out, the Eagles will rely on a committee approach that could involve a mix of running plays, quick passes, and a conservative game plan designed for whoever lines up under center. Head coach Nick Sirianni will likely tailor the offensive strategy to the strengths of the quarterback who is available, which means the new addition could see meaningful playing time sooner rather than later. The team has confidence in its offensive line and rushing attack, but the passing game will need to be functional enough to keep defenses honest.
From a broader perspective, this situation underscores the fragility of quarterback health in the NFL. A team can go from Super Bowl favorite to uncertain wilderness in a single medical report. The Eagles' front office has been praised for its aggressive roster construction, and this move is another example of their willingness to adapt. It also puts pressure on the Cowboys, who will lose a depth piece to a rival — though Dallas has enough quarterbacks under contract to absorb the loss without significant disruption.
As Hurts continues his recovery, the Eagles will monitor his condition closely. Blood clots in athletes, particularly in the leg or lung area, can be managed with medication, and many players have returned to full activity after several weeks. But there are no guarantees. Philadelphia's medical staff will follow a cautious timeline, and the team has publicly stated that Hurts' health is the only priority. For now, the focus turns to the practice squad quarterback who could soon wear midnight green — a reminder that in the NFL, opportunity can arise from the most unexpected places.
**Fontes**
Sources: NFL team announcements, league sources, multiple media reports.