Eagles Lose Fourth Straight With Jalen Hurts Sidelined

Caption: Jalen Hurts, 2022. Credit: Joe Glorioso / All-Pro Reels, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.

The Philadelphia Eagles are losing ground while their starting quarterback is sidelined. A day after placing Jalen Hurts on injured reserve because of a blood clot in his calf, Philadelphia fell 25-14 to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The Eagles’ fourth consecutive defeat dropped them to 2-4, with three division opponents next on the schedule.

Hurts’ Absence Comes With the Eagles at 2-4

Hurts must miss at least four games under the injured-reserve designation. His earliest eligibility to return is Week 11 against Pittsburgh, following Philadelphia’s bye, but that is not a confirmed return date. The team said it was determining his treatment and that his “health and safety are our highest priority.”

The Eagles said an ultrasound in London initially revealed a superficial blood clot. Medical personnel determined he could safely play, but a subsequent examination showed movement in the clot, prompting further evaluation and the decision to sideline him.

Tanner McKee made his first start of the season against Carolina, completing 26 of 45 passes for 215 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. Philadelphia remained competitive into the fourth quarter but could not finish a comeback.

Three Division Rivals Await Without Their Starter

After Carolina, Hurts’ minimum absence covers games against the Cowboys, Commanders and Giants. Those matchups make the timing particularly consequential: Philadelphia must try to recover from its losing streak while facing opponents competing within the NFC East.

The immediate task is keeping the season within reach, not projecting a championship run. At 2-4, the Eagles need results before they can rebuild any postseason momentum, and the next three opportunities will come with McKee replacing Hurts.

McKee’s Comeback Chance Slipped Away

Philadelphia’s afternoon began poorly when McKee was sacked for an 11-yard loss on the opening offensive play. The Eagles nevertheless stayed close, with Dameon Pierce’s short touchdown run cutting Carolina’s advantage to 10-7 before halftime.

In the fourth quarter, McKee found DeVonta Smith for a 19-yard touchdown that brought Philadelphia within 19-14. The defense then forced a three-and-out, giving the Eagles possession and a chance to move ahead.

Instead, the next drive stalled after McKee lost 12 yards on a fumble. Bryce Young later connected with Tommy Tremble for a touchdown that extended Carolina’s lead to 25-14 and put the comeback beyond Philadelphia’s reach.

Philadelphia Needs More Than a Quarterback Replacement

The offensive problems extended beyond the change at quarterback. Carolina outgained Philadelphia 399-222, while the Eagles produced just 35 rushing yards. The Panthers also recorded three sacks.

That left McKee attempting 45 passes in a game Philadelphia never led. His touchdown to Smith created an opening, but the Eagles could not sustain the next possession or prevent Carolina’s answering score.

Dallas is next. With Hurts unavailable and the losing streak at four, Philadelphia needs its running game, protection and defense to provide more support - not simply ask its backup quarterback to rescue a difficult stretch.

References: Eagles place Jalen Hurts on Injured Reserve with blood clot | Panthers 25-14 Eagles (Oct 18, 2026) Game Recap | Panthers 25-14 Eagles (Oct 18, 2026) Box Score