Philadelphia will not start Jalen Hurts this Sunday against Carolina. The Eagles confirmed the quarterback is out for Week 6 because a follow-up scan showed a blood clot is moving. This changes the entire math for the NFC East race right now. Dallas fans know this injury creates a massive opening for the Cowboys to take control of the division before the teams meet on October 26.
The situation turned scary fast for Philadelphia. The team knew about the clot before their loss in London last Sunday but let Hurts play anyway, according to A to Z Sports. Doctors at that time said activity was key and that he could play safely. That view flipped on Wednesday night. A new ultrasound revealed the small clot had moved, forcing the team to shut him down immediately.
The Immediate Impact on Sunday
Tanner McKee will start for the Eagles this Sunday. The organization stated clearly that Hurts will miss the game while they figure out the right treatment plan. They emphasized that his health and safety are the highest priority. This is not a game-time decision. The team made the call on Wednesday and stuck to it.
This news drops the Eagles’ odds to win the NFC East. Before this update, some models put them over 30 percent. Now, the numbers have dropped drastically. The Eagles sit at just 24 percent. The gap widens every day Hurts stays on the sideline.
Why Dallas Must Attack the Division
The Cowboys and Eagles are the two favorites to win the NFC East. They play each other twice in October. The first meeting is set for Monday Night Football on October 26. If Hurts misses that first game, the impact on the matchup will be enormous. Dallas cannot waste this chance to build a lead.
Dallas just lost to Tampa Bay on October 8. The score was 24-16. The team dropped to 2-3 on the season. They have a tough road ahead against Green Bay on October 18. But the real prize is the division race. With the Eagles in flux, the Cowboys have a clear path to the top if they stay healthy and focused.
The Long-Term View for Philadelphia
Philly has time to figure this out before the October 26 game. But the uncertainty is the real problem. No one knows how long Hurts will be out. The team said they are determining the appropriate course of treatment. This lack of a clear timeline hurts their ability to plan. It also gives Dallas a psychological edge heading into the division clash.
The Cowboys need to capitalize on this moment. They have a win-now situation and do not have time to wait for the Eagles to get back on track. If Dallas wins the next two games, they could seize the division lead permanently.