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 elevated from the practice squad.
Let’s sort through this news on a player-by-player basis.
JALEN HURTS
On Saturday morning, ESPN reported that the Eagles were NOT going to place Hurts on injured reserve.
On Saturday afternoon, ESPN reported that the Eagles are putting Hurts on IR after all.
By going on IR due to his “superficial blood clot,” Hurts is now out for at least the Eagles’ next four games:
- Week 6 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Week 7 vs. Dallas Cowboys
- Week 8 at Washington Commanders
- Week 9 vs. New York Giants
The Eagles then have a bye in Week 10. The earliest Hurts could possibly return is for the Eagles’ Week 11 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The uncertain nature of Hurts’ situation makes it hard to predict exactly when he’ll be back.
In the meantime, the Eagles will roll with Tanner McKee as their starting quarterback. It’ll be interesting to see how he fares in his first-ever extended NFL action. Cole Payton will likely be the backup for Week 6 since Joe Milton III only joined the team on Friday. To be determined if Milton will eventually overtake Payton or if he’ll just be the emergency third quarterback option.
JAYDON BLUE
With Saquon Barkley still dealing with a hamstring injury and both Tank Bigsby/Will Shipley now on injured reserve, the Eagles are currently without their top three running backs.
Last week, the team called Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele up from the practice squad. Now Blue is joining 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, prior to the 2026 season.
KEYSHAWN JAMES-NEWBY
The Eagles are currently banged up at edge rusher. Jalyx Hunt was ruled out for Sunday’s game while A.J. 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 he flashed a little late in training camp and in the preseason. KJN will likely be most limited to special teams duty, barring more edge rusher injuries.
Not necessarily surprising but a little interesting to see the Eagles elevated KJN instead of fellow practice squad edge rusher Mason Reiger.
COLE WISNIEWSKI
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 is returning from injury this week after previously losing some snaps to Michael Carter II, who was ruled out of Sunday’s game. The Eagles also have Kenny Moore II, who is transitioning to safety after mostly playing nickel cornerback prior to coming to Philly.
Wisniewski gives the Eagles another option on the back end of the defense in a pinch.
