Cowboys allow Joe Milton to join the Eagles as Philadelphia deals with Jalen Hurts uncertain timeline

The NFC East remains wide open for all four franchises, with the New York Giants (3-1-1) holding the top spot after five weeks, followed closely by the Philadelphia Eagles (2-3) and Dallas Cowboys (2-3), while the Washington Commanders (1-3-1) sit in last place as Jayden Daniels return to action last week.

Since Jalen Hurts took over as the full-time starting quarterback five seasons ago, Philadelphia has established divisional dominance by capturing three division titles, including back-to-back crowns, a feat no NFC East franchise had accomplished in over two decades.

However, the Eagles are currently mired in a troubling three-game losing streak, with mounting adversity compounded by Lane Johnson’s sudden retirement, the Cam Jurgens trade, and Hurts being ruled out indefinitely due to a superficial blood clot in his calf.

Consequently, third-year backup Tanner McKee is set to start Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, marking his first high-stakes starting nod after his only two career starts came during meaningless Week 18 contests in 2024 and 2025 when Philadelphia had already secured its postseason spot.

Eagles Pluck Joe Milton Off Cowboys

With no definitive timeline for Hurts’ return and a crucial stretch of three consecutive divisional matchups looming after Sunday's game against Carolina, Philadelphia acted swiftly on Friday to sign quarterback Joe Milton off the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad.

This roster move provides insurance in case McKee struggles to orchestrate an offense that is also battling injuries to key playmakers DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley.

A sixth-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, the 26-year-old signal-caller is renowned for his elite arm strength and physical tools before being traded to Dallas last season. After being waived during final roster cutdowns this summer, Dallas retained him on their practice squad.

Though Milton has yet to make a regular-season start in his NFL career, he has appeared in five contests, completing 37 of 53 passes for 424 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, while adding 66 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.