Welcome to Philadelphia, LeBron: Eagles’ Hurts, Barkley believe James is great for city sports - TSN

Jalen Hurts has faced questions about his passing efficiency, willingness to run and leadership ability despite winning one Super Bowl MVP award and leading the Philadelphia Eagles to two NFC championships. He faces a challenge bigger and more serious than silencing critics and quieting fickle fans. Hurts has a blood clot in his calf and has to miss at least one game. His health is the top priority now. But the NFL is a business and Hurts’ availability for the remainder of the season is in doubt so it’s fair to wonder about his future in Philadelphia. The 28-year-old quarterback is in the middle of a $255 million, five-year contract that runs through 2028. However, his guaranteed money drops from $51.5 million this season to $22 million next year to zero in 2028. Because the Eagles didn’t restructure his contract to add more guaranteed money after this year, this was viewed as a make-or-break season for Hurts. It seems unfair that a player with Hurts’ resume needed to prove himself again but that’s been the narrative surrounding him since his college days. Hurts was famously benched by Nick Saban at halftime of the national championship game on Jan. 8, 2018.

Eagles RB Saquon Barkley seems questionable at best for Week 5

The Philadelphia Eagles placed quarterback Jalen Hurts on injured reserve, the team announced Saturday. The Eagles made the decision following consultations with doctors and experts that continued into Saturday, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Philadelphia initially did not plan to place Hurts on IR. Hurts was recently diagnosed with a superficial blood clot in his calf. He will remain sidelined for an indefinite period, sources told Schefter and Rapoport. An IR designation means the three-time Pro Bowler is required to miss at least four games before returning to the lineup. Hurts threw for eight touchdowns and 933 passing yards through his first five appearances this season. The Eagles started the season with two straight wins but have lost three in a row. Backup quarterback Tanner McKee will start Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. The Eagles also recently signed quarterback Joe Milton off the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad. Philadelphia is also dealing with injuries to Saquon Barkley and Will Shipley. However, star wideout DeVonta Smith is on track to return after being a full participant in Friday's practice.

The Philadelphia Eagles are not planning to place quarterback Jalen Hurts on injured reserve, sources told ESPN, even as he remains sidelined indefinitely because of a superficial blood clot. The team, according to sources, has not even discussed the possibility of injured reserve, which would sideline Hurts for a minimum of four weeks. Hurts and the Eagles are still gathering more information and seeking additional medical opinions, with the quarterback's health the foremost consideration. They believe the blood clot is treatable, with Hurts trying to determine the best course, sources said. The ultimate decision about when Hurts returns to play will come from his medical team, and the Eagles are ready to follow his lead. There is still a chance Hurts eventually ends up on injured reserve, if that is the direction the medical information indicates. In most cases, blood clots are treated with anticoagulants, otherwise known as blood thinners. A player cannot play while on blood thinners. In general, the minimum time frame for a moderate dose of anticoagulants is six weeks, sources said.