PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles have raided the Dallas Cowboys for quarterback help.
With Jalen Hurts sidelined indefinitely because of a blood clot in his calf, the Eagles signed Joe Milton III off the Cowboys’ practice squad Friday, adding the strong-armed quarterback to their 53-man roster.
The move comes two days after the Eagles announced that Hurts would miss Sunday’s home game against the Carolina Panthers (2-2). His return remains uncertain.
Tanner McKee, in his fourth NFL season, is expected to start against Carolina. Rookie Cole Payton, a fifth-round draft pick out of North Dakota State, was the only other healthy quarterback on Philadelphia’s roster before Milton’s arrival.
Milton, 26, is an intriguing addition.
At 6-foot-5 and 236 pounds, he possesses exceptional arm strength and mobility. But accuracy, timing and consistency have been concerns throughout his career.
The New England Patriots selected Milton in the sixth round (193rd overall) of the 2024 NFL draft out of Tennessee, where he finished his college career after beginning at Michigan.
He made an impressive NFL debut in New England’s 2024 season finale, completing 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for a score.
The Patriots traded him to Dallas in April 2025. He appeared in four games last season, completing 15 of 24 passes for 183 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.
Overall, Milton has completed 37 of 53 passes (69.8 percent) for 424 yards, two touchdowns and two picks in five NFL games. He has rushed for 66 yards and a touchdown. He has never started a regular-season game.
Milton competed with former Eagle Sam Howell for the Cowboys’ backup job this summer. Despite completing 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards and three touchdowns without an interception in three preseason games, he lost the competition.
Dallas waived him before the season and subsequently signed him to its practice squad.
His arrival in Philadelphia also appears to diminish the possibility of a reunion with veteran Andy Dalton, whom the Eagles released Oct. 9.
The Eagles (2-3) have lost three straight games, including Sunday’s 19-17 defeat against Jacksonville in London. Their injury problems have mounted, particularly on offense. Milton gives them an emergency option while Hurts recovers.
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Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.