PHILADELPHIA — Jalen Hurts returned to the Philadelphia Eagles’ huddle after experiencing a left knee injury during a sack, causing concern as he needed to seek medical attention on the sidelines.
Hurts was evaluated while backup Kenny Pickett began warming up in preparation for his potential entry into the NFC divisional playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams.
However, Hurts quickly showed his resilience. “We looked up, and (Hurts) was warming up,” said wide receiver A.J. Brown on Wednesday, highlighting Hurts’ determination.
Despite his injury, Hurts did not miss a single play, contributing to the Eagles’ victory, which marked their ninth consecutive home win and secured a spot in their second NFC Championship game in three years at Lincoln Financial Field.
Though still nursing his injury, Hurts is ready to face the Washington Commanders in what is expected to be the season’s most critical game on Sunday.
The Eagles opted for a walk-through practice on Wednesday instead of a full session, possibly to reduce stress on Hurts’ knee, but this should not hinder his performance against the Commanders.
“I expect him to go out and perform as he always does,” Brown commented. “He’s a warrior.”
Remaining their usual composed self, Hurts kept his responses regarding his health brief. When asked about his knee, he simply stated it was “progressing,” and confirmed he would play on Sunday.
Throughout his career, Hurts has been known for his durability, maintaining consistency from training camp through November, when injuries often arise. Despite playing with a broken finger on his non-throwing hand earlier this season and dealing with a concussion that sidelined him for the final two regular games, he is determined not to let this injury get in the way.
“It’s a part of the game,” Hurts reflected. “I accept whatever comes with that.”
Now faced with a knee issue, there are concerns about Hurts’ mobility as he is considered one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the league, having rushed for 630 yards this season. He also made an impressive 44-yard touchdown run against the Rams before his injury.
“The combination of Saquon (Barkley) and Jalen in the backfield is incredibly powerful,” noted offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. “They create a real threat, and Jalen makes excellent decisions during those runs, whether to hand off or keep it himself.”
With Barkley leading the charge with 2,005 rushing yards this season, Hurts’ passing stats have decreased, as he threw for 2,903 yards this year, below the 3,000-yard mark he had hit in the previous three seasons. He managed 259 combined yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in playoff wins over Green Bay and Los Angeles.
For context, the other three quarterbacks still in the playoffs have impressive numbers: Buffalo’s Josh Allen has 399 yards and two touchdowns without interceptions, Washington’s Jayden Daniels boasts 567 yards, four touchdowns, and no picks, while Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes posted 177 yards and one score in his single game.
Though passing yardage isn’t the sole indicator of a quarterback’s effectiveness—especially in playoff victories—the Eagles only recorded 65 net passing yards against the Rams, which Moore described as “not ideal.”
Nevertheless, this hasn’t dampened the Eagles’ outlook; they are considered the betting favorites to win the Super Bowl, according to BetMGM Sportsbook, leading ahead of the Chiefs, Bills, and Commanders.
This season, Hurts successfully threw 18 touchdowns against five interceptions, with only one interception since the Eagles’ Week 5 bye.
“He’s consistently the same player,” stated coach Nick Sirianni. “He maintains that consistency no matter the circumstances. He has a passion for football and appreciates the effort needed for success.”
Despite criticisms that his playing style may make him vulnerable to injuries, Hurts remains focused. Having suffered a concussion following two impactful runs against the Commanders, he is no stranger to playing through pain.
Even with various injuries, the Eagles place their faith in Hurts’ ability to lead the team. “I anticipate Jalen will be Jalen,” said Barkley. “He’s going to deliver for us and make pivotal plays. He possesses that ‘it’ factor.”
