Charlotte, N.C. — Carolina Panthers players learned midstream on Thursday that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will miss Sunday’s road kickoff after doctors found a clot in his calf, forcing a late defensive reset before the Week 6 trip.
Some heard the news on phones after a walk-through; others did not catch it until practice was underway. The first reaction from several teammates was concern for Hurts’ health, especially after watching right tackle Taylor Moton navigate a related medical issue earlier.
Backup Tanner McKee, a 2023 sixth-round pick, is expected to start. He has thrown 88 passes across six games the past two seasons, with two starts. Linebacker Jaelan Phillips, who saw McKee on Philadelphia’s scout team last year, called him accurate with solid pocket presence and said the defense still has to prepare without taking him lightly.
Defensive tackle Derrick Brown said he plans to study McKee’s tape after admitting he is not yet familiar with the backup’s tendencies. Linebacker Devin Lloyd said teammates will lean on backup quarterback Kenny Pickett, who played for the Eagles in 2024 and knows both Hurts and McKee.
Carolina sits at two wins and two losses, atop the NFC South, and is coming off an early bye after winning 32-26 over the Lions in Week 4. Kickoff in Philadelphia is set for 1 p.m. Eastern on Sunday.
Coaches and players stressed that the Eagles remain a Super Bowl-experienced roster even without Hurts, and that mobility differences will change some looks without rewriting Carolina’s week-long preparation habits.
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