NFL Week 18: Giants make decision on starters vs. Eagles, update on availability of Jalen Hurts

Despite Brian Daboll hinting towards potentially playing his starters on Sunday, the Giants are expected to rest key players in their upcoming matchup vs. the Eagles.

According to reports, several starters, including QB Daniel Jones, have already been informed that they won’t be playing. Twelve-year veteran Tyrod Taylor will likely get the start in his place.

The #Giants and Brian Daboll have kept their cards close to the vest all week but yes, the expectation is key players will be sitting against the #Eagles Sunday. https://t.co/EkxfCKRFJG

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 6, 2023

“I’m always ready for the opportunity, but obviously that’s Coach Dabes’ decision,” Taylor told The New York Post. “As a player, any time you get a chance to compete, you are representing your last name but more importantly you are representing the organization, so it’s never meaningless. It’s a prove-it league. Any chance you get to show what you can do, you have to take it seriously.”

DL Leonard Williams and OLB Azeez Olujari have already been ruled out. Regardless of what happens in Week 18, the Giants are locked into the No. 6 overall seed in the NFC.

As for Philadelphia, head coach Nick Sirianni stated on Friday that QB Jalen Hurts is “trending in the right direction” to play in the season finale:

“It’s trending in the right direction,” Sirianni said. “We’re going to see how today goes. But he’s trending in the right direction and we feel good about it. But we’ll see how today goes.”

Hurts was listed as a limited participant in Thursday’s practice after taking part in routine throwing and ball security drills, which he was held out of last week. After dropping two straight with Gardner Minshew under center, the Eagles need a win this weekend to clinch a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.

“He looks great, man,” Gardner Minshew said on Friday. “He’s a freak. He’s right back to where he needs to be. Excited to see him, whatever happens moving forward.”

Coach Sirianni gives an update on Jalen Hurts. #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/ZYTjI4gE7Q

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 6, 2023

Mandatory Credit: AP Photo | Bryan Woolston