Rumor: Eagles believe Jalen Hurts could return from injury before postseason
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts missed the Christmas Eve matchup against Dallas after spraining his shoulder the week prior, but it appears the team is confident he will be fully healthy before the postseason gets underway.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Dan Graziano wrote that he would be “surprised” if Hurts suited up for the Eagles Week 17 contest against New Orleans, but added that the signal caller could be good to go for the season finale if need be.
“Despite what the Eagles were saying publicly last week, I don’t believe there was ever any consideration given to Jalen Hurts playing against the Cowboys after his shoulder injury was revealed,” Graziano wrote.
“And once again, I’d be surprised if he played this week. The Eagles’ real decision could end up being whether to give Hurts some game action in Week 18 against the Giants just so he hasn’t had five weeks off before their divisional-round playoff game (assuming they secure that No. 1 seed and bye). The impression I get from talking to people about this situation is that the Eagles believe they will have Hurts back before their first playoff game, but they still aren’t sure about the extent to which the injury will affect him once he does return.”
NFL insider Ian Rapoport appeared on the Pat McAfee Show on Monday to shed light on Hurts’ injury status as well.
Rapoport: “I think there’s a chance Jalen Hurts plays this week.”
If Hurts is fully healthy, he’ll get the start this week. We obviously won’t know his health status until later on this week.
In regards to Graziano’s report that the team could consider playing Hurts in Week 18, getting him back on the field in two weeks just so he gets some snaps before the postseason goes against everything this coaching staff preaches. If the Eagles win this week and secure the No. 1 seed in the process, there’s absolutely no reason to play Hurts in the season finale. Miss me with the ‘but he’ll be rusty’ crap.
All throughout the preseason and training camp, the Eagles prioritized health and recovery over almost everything. The starters barely played during the preseason, and despite concerns from members of the Eagles media and fanbase, the lack of preseason playing time didn’t affect the Eagles in the slightest.
They started 8-0 and are currently atop the NFL standings. Being completely healthy going into the postseason is the priority.
Now, if the Eagles drop to 13-3 and have something to play for against New York in Week 18, then Hurts will more than likely get the start. But we’re kidding ourselves if we believe Nick Sirianni and Co. will put Hurts out there in a meaningless game just to get some snaps in.
Listen to the most recent episode of Grease the Poles
Eagles Lose to Dallas on Christmas Eve, Fallout From the Game, Injuries Begin to Mount, 'A Philly Special Christmas' Album Review – Grease the Poles
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