PHILADELPHIA — A hopeful development for Jalen Hurts’ potential participation in the Philadelphia Eagles’ playoff debut emerged not merely from formal injury updates or practice reports but from a compelling social media message.
The Eagles announced their Sunday game time against the Green Bay Packers with the caption, “Playoffs start NOW.”
Central in the accompanying image was Hurts, sporting an Eagles skull cap and eye black, embodying the fierce determination of a quarterback eager to pursue a Super Bowl title.
Some might argue it’s too soon to read into his status, but the Eagles have remained tight-lipped about Hurts’ condition following the concussion he sustained in a game against Washington on December 22, which forced him to exit early.
Hurts missed the last two regular-season games, during which backups Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee led the team to victories. Coach Nick Sirianni has only confirmed that Hurts is still in the NFL concussion protocol, which contains five phases necessary for medical clearance.
Sirianni did reveal, however, that Hurts was present during a walkthrough prior to the Eagles’ victory over the New York Giants.
Questions linger regarding whether Hurts is still experiencing symptoms from his concussion or if he has been rested for strategic purposes, especially with the playoffs approaching and the Packers set to visit.
The Eagles are not obligated to provide an injury report until after their next practice, expected on Wednesday.
In their season opener, Hurts delivered a commendable performance against the Green Bay Packers, completing 20 of 34 passes for 278 yards, along with two touchdown passes and two interceptions, ultimately leading the team to a 34-29 victory.
Star running back Saquon Barkley contributed three touchdowns, while A.J. Brown made five receptions for 119 yards, including a notable 67-yard touchdown that established a positive momentum for what has been considered one of the best regular seasons in the franchise’s history.
Sirianni has achieved impressive milestones himself, becoming only the second head coach in the history of the NFL to win 14 or more games in two of his first four seasons, following in the footsteps of former 49ers coach George Seifert.
Sirianni commented on the significance of their achievements, saying, “We always talk about doing special things, and you have special things to do during the regular season and then the postseason.” He acknowledged the satisfaction of winning the division and tying a franchise record but emphasized that the ultimate goal remains clinching the Super Bowl.
BetMGM Sportsbook suggests that the odds are in Hurts’ favor for a swift return, as Philadelphia is favored by 4.5 points against the Packers and has 7-1 odds to capture the Super Bowl title.
The overall sentiment surrounding the Eagles is largely positive as long as Hurts is cleared to play. Sirianni’s decision to rest key starters during the final games of the regular season proved prudent, allowing the team to essentially have a bye week after securing the division title. Barkley is expected to have a prime opportunity in the playoffs to showcase his talents and vie for a championship.
As for team concerns, while the Eagles managed a franchise-record 14 wins, there are lingering questions regarding special teams performance, particularly in kickoffs and field goals, which have raised some eyebrows this season. Additionally, the Eagles’ first-half offensive struggles have been chronic, evidenced by their inability to score in the first quarter for seven games early in the season.
Looking ahead, McKee has shown promise as the third-string quarterback, potentially positioning himself as the postseason backup. His performance in the last two games has sparked discussions about whether he could fill in if Hurts is unable to play. Furthermore, McKee might remain with the team next season or serve as trade bait for other teams needing a skilled young quarterback.
Conversely, kicker Jake Elliott has come under scrutiny after a season filled with ups and downs. He struggled against the Giants and finished the season with a hit-and-miss 28 of 36 accuracy overall, missing several crucial long-distance attempts that are often decisive in playoff games.
Aside from Hurts, the Eagles are relatively healthy and welcomed the return of tight end Dallas Goedert, who had been sidelined for four games due to a knee injury and made a positive impact with four catches for 55 yards in the recent game.
A notable statistic highlighting the Eagles’ accomplishments is the celebration of Jeffrey Lurie’s 300 wins as owner since he purchased the team in 1994. The Eagles now join a select group of NFL franchises that have achieved over 300 victories since then, alongside successful teams like New England and Green Bay.
As the postseason approaches, all eyes are on Hurts’ health while gearing up for what promises to be an exciting playoff encounter with Green Bay.
