The Philadelphia Eagles officially announced four roster moves ahead of the team’s Week 6 game against the Carolina Panthers. Here’s an overview:
- QB Jalen Hurts was placed on injured reserve.
- RB Jaydon Blue was signed from the practice squad to the roster.
- EDGE Keyshawn James-Newby and S Cole Wisniewski were temporarily lifted from the practice squad.
Let’s break this news down on a player-by-player basis.
On Saturday morning, ESPN reported that the Eagles will NOT place Hurts on injured reserve.
On Saturday afternoon, ESPN reported that the Eagles were putting Hurts on IR after all.
By going on IR because of his “superficial blood clot,” Hurts is out for at least the next four Eagles games:
- Week 6 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Week 7 vs. Dallas Cowboys
- Week 8 at Washington Commanders
- Week 9 vs. New York Giants
The Eagles will have a bye in Week 10. The earliest Hurts could potentially return is for the Eagles’ Week 11 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Due to the uncertain nature of Hurts’ situation, it is difficult to predict exactly when he will return.
In the meantime, the Eagles will roll with Tanner McKee as their starting quarterback. It will be interesting to see how he fares in his first extended NFL action. Cole Payton will likely be the backup for Week 6 as Joe Milton III only joined the team on Friday. To determine if Milton will eventually catch up to Payton or if he will be the only emergency third quarterback option.
With Saquon Barkley still out with a hamstring injury and Tank Bigsby/Will Shipley now on injured reserve, the Eagles are currently without their top three running backs.
Last week, the team called up Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele from the practice squad. Now Blue joins them on the roster to give the Eagles three backfield options for Sunday’s game.
The Eagles originally signed Blue, a former Cowboys draft pick, before the 2026 season.
The Eagles are currently struggling with an edge rusher. Jalyx Hunt has been ruled out for Sunday’s game while AJ Epenesa is doubtful to play. Jonathan Greenard will play while coming off an ankle injury.
And so the team decided to temporarily elevate KJN to make his NFL debut. The rookie seventh-round pick missed most of the Eagles’ offseason practices due to injury but has been somewhat late in training camp and the preseason. KJN will likely be most limited on special teams duties, barring more injuries on the rusher side.
It’s not surprising but it’s a little interesting to see the Eagles move up KJN instead of fellow practice squad edge rusher Mason Reiger.
Wisniewski, another member of the Eagles’ 2026 NFL Draft class, is set to make his NFL regular season debut as a depth safety and special teams contributor.
The Eagles are currently thin at safety. Andrew Mukuba and Cooper DeJean are the starters in base defense with Marcus Epps playing next to Mukuba in nickel packages. Epps will return from injury this week after losing some snaps to Michael Carter II, who missed Sunday’s game. The Eagles also have Kenny Moore II, who is moving to safety after playing mostly nickel cornerback before coming to Philly.
Wisniewski gives the Eagles another option on the back end of the defense in a pinch.
The Eagles did NOT temporarily elevate Zach Ertz to the roster. Ertz has maxed out on elevations with three since his return to Philly after Week 2. Ertz is only eligible to play for the Eagles if they sign him to their roster.
The Eagles also did NOT activate Landon Dickerson, Eli Stowers, Grant Calcaterra, or Jakorian Bennett from injured reserve. The team opened their 21-day practice windows to return from IR earlier this week.