Jalen Hurts has been ruled out for Week 6 due to a blood clot in his calf, a complication from an injury sustained during the Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Tanner McKee will start in Hurts' place, marking his third career start and his first outside of a Week 18 game. The Eagles have also signed Joe Milton, who will serve as the third-string quarterback behind McKee and Cole Payton.
With Hurts sidelined, the Eagles will need to evaluate their offensive options more closely. Receiver Darius Cooper, who has caught seven passes for 130 yards and four touchdowns this season, has a prior connection with McKee from previous preseasons, which could be beneficial as the team adjusts to the new quarterback. The Eagles are also dealing with other injuries, including running back Will Shipley, who has been placed on injured reserve.
This situation presents an opportunity for McKee and other players like Cooper to step up and demonstrate their capabilities in a different offensive structure. The Eagles will be looking to see if this injury-driven adjustment reveals any players who can contribute significantly once the quarterback situation stabilizes.