Eagles coach gives vital injury update on Jalen Hurts as star QB tries to return for NFC Championship

The Philadelphia Eagles have been playing coy with regards to left knee injury quarterback Jalen Hurts suffered in the Divisional Round playoff win over the Los Angeles Rams.  On Tuesday, however, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni gave the first hint about the 26-year-old’s status for Sunday’s NFC title game against the visiting Washington Commanders.  ‘We are preparing with him being the quarterback,’ Sirianni told 94 WIP during his weekly interview.

Although he stopped short of guaranteeing Hurts will be under center on Sunday, Sirianni’s message is certainly a positive sign for a team trying to reach its second Super Bowl in three years.  Hurts appeared to hurt his left knee while taking a sack midway through the second quarter against the Rams.  He would stay in for another play before taking a trip to the blue medical tent before halftime.

Remarkably, Hurts did not miss a play with the injury, but did acknowledge something was wrong after the game.  ‘I was able to finish the game, and we will see how the week goes,’ Hurts told reporters at Lincoln Financial Field.  Hurts also insisted he was not uncertain about his status for Sunday.  ‘Great question. No,’ Hurts said. ‘Just seeing how the week will go. Seeing how things progress.’

Hurts’ performance on Sunday was highlighted by a 44-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. He also added 128 yards on 15-of-20 passing.  Backup Kenny Pickett does have some recent experience with the Eagles’ first-team offense, thanks to recent starts against Washington and Dallas.  The Pitt product had an up-and-down performance in the Week 15 loss to the Commanders, completing 14 of 24 passes with a touchdown and an interception to boot.  He was much better the following week, completing 10 of 15 passes for 143 yards and a score in a 41-7 win over the Cowboys.