Jalen Hurts is officially sidelined for the rest of the 2026 season due to ongoing blood clot issues, and just when the Eagles needed quarterback depth most, Andy Dalton flat out said no to coming back. The star quarterback’s health is obviously the top concern, but Philly’s plan at the position moving forward is looking murkier by the minute after this latest blow.
Philly’s QB Room Just Got Rocked
The Eagles’ quarterback situation was already in question, but this is a gut punch. Tanner McKee, who was in a QB2 competition with Dalton back at the start of the 2026 season, got the Week 6 start. But before that, there was a whole messy saga with Dalton. He started the 2026 season as one of Hurts’ backups, even coming into the Week 3 game against the Bears when Hurts headed to the medical tent. Problem was, the veteran threw a costly interception in what turned into a blowout loss, and Hurts was actually able to return to that game. After that performance, it looked like the Eagles decided to shift their depth chart, pushing McKee up to be the direct backup to Hurts. With some roster changes happening, the team just released Dalton on October 9. That was *before* the news broke that Hurts wouldn’t play in Week 6 because of his blood clotting issues.
Dalton Ditches the Nest for Atlanta
Now, with Hurts’ diagnosis taking a negative turn and the team needing warm bodies in the QB room even after signing Joe Milton off the Cowboys’ practice squad, the Eagles wanted Dalton back. According to NBC Sports, they tried to bring him right back after releasing him. But Dalton? He “politely declined.” Instead, on Monday, the 16-year veteran signed with the Falcons. Yeah, the Falcons! He’s heading to Atlanta to back up Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa. After getting demoted on the depth chart and then released by Philly, Dalton clearly decided he’d rather take his chances in Atlanta than stick around for more potential opportunities with the Eagles this season. You can’t really blame a guy for wanting to feel wanted, right?
Who’s Left to Lead the Flock?
So, with Hurts out for the year, McKee is the Eagles’ QB1 until they say otherwise. He threw for 215 yards and a touchdown against the Panthers in a 25-14 loss on Sunday. That’s a start, but it’s a loss, which isn’t going to calm anyone’s nerves. The current depth chart behind him is Cole Payton and Joe Milton. Payton was a fifth-round pick in April’s draft, known for elite athleticism and rushing ability, but he’s supposedly limited as a passer. Milton, meanwhile, just joined off a practice squad. It wouldn’t be shocking if the Eagles look at other in-house options or try to bring in *another* veteran to the mix. With their top two options either out for the season or gone to another team, the Eagles are truly in a bind. Tanner McKee is the guy for now, but how long can that last? This team needs answers fast, because the rest of this season just got a whole lot harder to navigate.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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