The Philadelphia Eagles officially announced four roster changes ahead of the team’s Week 6 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Here is an overview:
- Quarterback 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 have been temporarily waived from the practice squad.
Let’s sort this news player by player.
Saturday morning, ESPN reported that the Eagles were NOT going to place Hurts on injured reserve.
On Saturday afternoon, ESPN reported that the Eagles were putting Hurts on IR after all.
Going on IR due to his “superficial blood clot,” Hurts is now out for at least the Eagles’ next four games:
- Week 6 vs. the 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 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 performs 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 pass Payton or if he will simply be the emergency third quarterback option.
With Saquon Barkley still dealing 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 initially signed Blue, a former Cowboys draft pick, ahead of the 2026 season.
The Eagles are currently hit by Edge Rusher. Jalyx Hunt has been ruled out for Sunday’s game while AJ Epenesa is doubtful to play. Jonathan Greenard will play while recovering from an ankle injury.
So the team decided to temporarily elevate KJN to debut in the NFL. The rookie seventh-round pick missed most of the Eagles’ offseason practices due to injury, but he flashed a bit late in training camp and preseason. KJN will likely be most limited to special teams duties, barring additional injuries.
Not necessarily surprising but a little interesting to see the Eagles elevate KJN instead of fellow forward 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 at base defense with Marcus Epps playing alongside Mukuba in nickel packages. Epps is returning from injury this week after losing a few 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 primarily playing nickel cornerback before coming to Philly.
Wisniewski gives the Eagles another option at the back end of the defense in a pinch.
The Eagles have NOT temporarily elevated Zach Ertz to the roster. Ertz has maxed out with three since returning to Philadelphia after Week 2. Ertz is now 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 its 21-day practice windows to return from IR earlier this week.
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