Jalen Hurts returns for Eagles' Wild Card game vs. Packers.
Jalen Hurts is officially back. After weeks in concussion protocol, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni confirmed the star quarterback will play in Sunday’s Wild Card matchup against the Green Bay Packers. The news ends a tense period of waiting for fans and the team, who count on Hurts as the centerpiece of their playoff hopes.
Hurts suffered a concussion in Week 16 against the Washington Commanders, leaving in the first half after a hit on a third-and-goal play. Since then, the Eagles have managed without him, but it’s clear the offense works best with him at the helm. Missing games against the Cowboys and Giants didn’t impact their NFC East title or No. 2 seed, but Hurts’ return is critical with the playoffs underway.
He returned to practice on Wednesday in a limited role, then practiced fully on Thursday. Teammates like Jordan Mailata were quick to point out his sharpness, with Sirianni adding that Hurts has passed every step of the NFL’s concussion protocol. His presence instantly elevates the Eagles’ chances against a Packers team that thrives in high-stakes games.
Hurts finished the regular season with 2,903 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Notably, he threw just one interception after the team’s Week 5 bye. He added 14 rushing touchdowns, with the Eagles utilizing the “tush push” play effectively throughout the season.
Sirianni emphasized Hurts’ importance to the team. “He’s our quarterback, so we always want to be careful with him. We always think about his health first and foremost… You always feel better when Jalen Hurts is on the field,” he said.
The Wild Card game kicks off Sunday, January 12, at 4:30 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. FOX will broadcast the game, and fans can also stream it on FuboTV, which offers a free trial for new users.
The Eagles, with a 14-3 record, earned the No. 2 seed in the NFC after clinching the NFC East. Meanwhile, the Packers (11-6) scraped into the playoffs, finishing third in the NFC North. This matchup pits a dominant Eagles squad against a Green Bay team looking to make noise despite a tougher road.
Hurts reflected on his time in the concussion protocol and the challenges it brought. “You go through a routine every day, and being out of that is challenging,” he said. “And obviously dealing with different symptoms ain’t fun, either. I’m thankful the refs and everyone did what they were supposed to do [in the Commanders game]. They made the right decision in that moment [to have me tested]. I’m thankful and blessed for that and now I’m ready to go.”
This marks Hurts’ first concussion in the NFL, adding a layer of concern for both him and the team. The Eagles have been cautious about his health, with Sirianni reiterating the importance of protecting their franchise player.
The Eagles’ receiving duo also faced minor setbacks in practice this week. A.J. Brown missed Thursday’s session due to a knee issue and rest, while DeVonta Smith sat out Friday with back tightness. Despite the absences, Sirianni confirmed both are expected to play on Sunday.
The chemistry between Hurts and Brown has been a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offense. Sirianni dismissed concerns about the layoff, stating that their extensive reps together during the season keep them in sync. “They’ve got a lot of reps together prior to the last couple of weeks,” Sirianni said. “That’s not a concern of mine. I just feel like we’re in a good spot going into this game.”
In their season opener, Hurts led the Eagles to a 34-29 victory over the Packers. He completed 20-of-34 passes for 278 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. As the playoffs begin, the Eagles hope Hurts can deliver another standout performance to propel them deeper into the postseason.
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