Eagles•More PHL•News•Unique Columns
Credit: Jaelan Phillips-Instagram
It’s unclear whether or not Jalen Hurts will ever play another down this season for the Eagles after a superficial blood clot wasn’t just identified during the Eagles trip to London — then moved upon more further testing upon his return to Philadelphia.
Turning to the Eagles other options in the quarterback room in a game that is as close to a must-win against the Carolina Panthers as any in recent memory — isn’t as straight forward a line of succession as you might think. Andy Dalton’s hapless interception in the back of the endzone when all the while Jalen Hurts was screaming while in the Medical Tent to get back into game may have sealed Dalton’s release in Philadelphia — or at least brought something to light. The Eagles need a grouping of young quarterbacks ready to step-in as backups when needed — not only veterans at the position.
And McKee may not be on display for a future with Philadelphia — but rather to entice a trade offer just as the Eagles did with Center Cam Jurgens.
Meanwhile — another dual-threat quarterback landed in Philadelphia this week from the Dallas Cowboys practice squad in Joe Milton. Milton was a sixth-round draft pick in the 2024 selected by the Patriots. He played college at Michigan and then transferred to the University of Tennessee. He joined the Cowboys in 2025.
It’s not clear whether edge rusher Jaelan Phillips will be playing tomorrow or not. What is also equally unclear is why the Eagles allowed Phillips to walk away at all after last season.
Last season — perhaps the biggest splash before the deadline was the addition of former Miami Dolphins Edge Rusher Jaelan Phillips. In Phillips, the Eagles also get another former first-round pick from the Miami Dolphins, paired with recently un-retired Brandon Graham, in exchange for a 2026 third-round Draft Pick.
Surrendering a third-round pick in today’s NFL is no doubt a steep price — but acquiring Phillips prior to the deadline deepens one of the Eagles’ thinnest positions. The Eagles began the season with five Edge Rushers on the roster. But injuries to Azeez Ojulari, Nolan Smith, Ogbo Okoronkwo, and Moro Ojomo — coupled with the sudden retirement of Za’Darius Smith — forced the Eagles to make a move and also to bring back Graham.
If Joe Milton stayed two more seasons with the Wolverines — he may well have been a National Champion. If Jaelan Phillips remained in Philadelphia for the 2026 season — the line would be bolstered.
If Hurts can recover to his accustomed form in the Eagles offense — well — who knows where the team could go?
Discover more from Philadelphia Sports Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Categorized:Eagles More PHL News Unique Columns
