The Philadelphia Eagles have turned to an unlikely source for quarterback help: their NFC East rivals, the Dallas Cowboys. Philadelphia is bringing in Joe Milton from Dallas’ practice squad, adding a young quarterback with a powerful throwing arm just as uncertainty surrounds Jalen Hurts’ availability.
The move comes after Hurts was ruled out indefinitely following the discovery of a superficial blood clot in his leg.
For Milton, the timing is particularly interesting. The 26-year-old could find himself on the opposite sideline when Philadelphia faces Dallas on October 26, giving him an opportunity to meet the team he was competing to represent only weeks ago.
Why did the Eagles sign Joe Milton?
Philadelphia’s decision follows the health setback involving Hurts, which has left the team needing additional quarterback depth.
Tanner McKee is expected to take over the starting role initially, while Milton will compete with McKee and rookie quarterback Cole Payton.
The Eagles’ move also comes with a roster commitment. Under the rules governing players signed from another team’s practice squad, Milton must be placed on Philadelphia’s active 53-man roster for at least three games.
That requirement gives him an immediate place in the Eagles’ quarterback plans, although it does not guarantee that he will see action on the field.
For Philadelphia, the signing brings in a player who already has NFL experience and offers another option while Hurts remains unavailable.
Could Joe Milton face the Cowboys on October 26?
One of the most intriguing aspects of Milton’s move is the schedule.
Philadelphia and Dallas are set to meet on Monday Night Football on October 26, putting Milton in position to face his former team shortly after joining the Eagles.
Whether he actually plays will depend on how Philadelphia handles its quarterback rotation. McKee remains the expected starter, and Milton will have to compete for opportunities.
Still, the circumstances make this more than a routine roster addition.
Milton was preparing for a potential backup role in Dallas during training camp. Now, he could be wearing an Eagles uniform when the two division rivals meet.
What did Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer say about Milton leaving?
Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer acknowledged that the move was disappointing for the Cowboys but welcomed the opportunity it presented for Milton.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for Joe,” Schottenheimer said. “It didn’t catch me by surprise.”
The Cowboys coach also praised Milton’s ability and made it clear that he holds the quarterback in high regard.
“I’m sad to see him go, but I hope he gets every opportunity,” Schottenheimer added.
His reaction reflects the unusual circumstances surrounding the departure. Dallas had retained Milton on its practice squad after he failed to secure the primary backup job during the preseason, but Philadelphia’s quarterback situation created an opening elsewhere.
The Cowboys must now find another quarterback for their practice squad, with Dak Prescott and Sam Howell remaining their leading options on the active roster.
Why was Joe Milton on the Cowboys’ practice squad?
Milton joined Dallas in 2025 through a trade with the New England Patriots that also involved an exchange of draft picks.
He entered the 2026 training camp competing for the QB2 position behind Prescott.
His performances during practices in Oxnard and the first two preseason games kept him in contention with Howell. However, his performance declined in the preseason finale, and Dallas ultimately chose Howell for the backup role.
The Cowboys waived Milton during their final roster reductions in late August. After he cleared waivers, the team brought him back on its practice squad.
That decision kept him within the organization but also made him available for another club to sign to its active roster.
Philadelphia has now taken that opportunity.
Joe Milton’s NFL stats: How much experience does the Eagles’ new quarterback have?
Milton’s reputation is built partly on his arm strength, but his regular-season NFL experience remains limited.
He has appeared in five NFL games without making a start.
His career numbers include:
- Games played: 5
- Games started: 0
- Passing completions: 37
- Passing attempts: 53
- Passing yards: 424
- Passing touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 2
- Rushing yards: 66
- Rushing touchdowns: 1
What does Milton’s arrival mean for Andy Dalton?
The decision to sign Milton could also affect Philadelphia’s interest in veteran quarterback Andy Dalton.
Dalton, who was released earlier in October, had reportedly been considering multiple offers. A potential reunion with the Eagles had been among the possibilities discussed.
Milton’s arrival may reduce the likelihood of that move, although it does not establish that Philadelphia has ruled out further changes at quarterback.
The Eagles have instead opted to bring in a younger player who can compete within their existing group.
Who will start for the Eagles against the Panthers?
Philadelphia is scheduled to face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, with Tanner McKee expected to start in place of Hurts.
Milton’s arrival does not change that immediate expectation.
The more significant question is how quickly the former Cowboys quarterback can establish himself within Philadelphia’s setup and whether he can earn playing time while Hurts remains sidelined.
For Dallas, the immediate task is finding another practice-squad quarterback. For Philadelphia, the focus is on navigating the coming games without its regular starter.
And for Milton, a season that began with a battle for Dallas’ backup job has taken a very different direction.
He now has a place on the active roster of the Cowboys’ division rival, with a potential meeting against his former teammates approaching on October 26.
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