The Philadelphia Eagles’ hopes of securing the top seed in the NFC were dashed as quarterback Jalen Hurts remained sidelined due to a concussion suffered during Week 16. Without a healthy Hurts, the Eagles faced challenges in their bid for playoff success.
Following Hurts’ injury, backup quarterback Kenny Pickett took the reins for the Eagles, starting in Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys after finishing the previous game against the Washington Commanders. Tanner McKee stepped in to close out the regular season against the New York Giants in Week 18.
As the Eagles prepared for the wild card round, uncertainty loomed over Hurts’ status as he continued to be in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Head coach Nick Sirianni confirmed that Hurts remained in the protocol, with the quarterback missing practice sessions since sustaining the concussion.
In Week 18, the Eagles opted to rest their starters and fielded McKee as they secured the No. 2 seed with a victory over the Giants. Despite the absence of key players, the Eagles demonstrated depth by prevailing with most of their backups on the field.
The NFL’s concussion protocol entails a structured five-step progression that players must successfully navigate before being cleared to return to play. These steps encompass symptom-limited activity, aerobic exercise, football-specific exercise, club-based non-contact training drills, and full football activity/clearance.
While Hurts’ exact stage in the protocol remained undisclosed by the Eagles, the team faced a critical juncture as they approached game day. The availability of Hurts for the upcoming playoff clash hinged on his ability to progress through the protocol, with a limited practice by Thursday serving as a pivotal indicator of his readiness for Sunday’s game.
In the postseason, the Philadelphia Eagles (14-3), winners of the NFC East, were slated to face the Green Bay Packers (11-6), who secured the No. 3 wild card spot. The playoff matchup marked a rematch of their Week 1 encounter, where the Eagles emerged victorious with a score of 34-29 in the NFL’s inaugural Sao Paulo game in Brazil.
As the Eagles navigated the uncertainty surrounding Hurts’ health, the team remained focused on their playoff aspirations and the challenge posed by the Packers. With Hurts’ status hanging in the balance, Philadelphia geared up for a critical showdown as they aimed to make a strong postseason push and overcome the obstacles in their path.
This article was first published on USA TODAY and provides the latest updates on Jalen Hurts’ injury status, shedding light on the Eagles’ ongoing quarterback situation as they navigate the playoff landscape with determination and resilience.
