The Philadelphia Eagles have been keeping details about quarterback Jalen Hurts’ left knee injury, which he sustained during the Divisional Round playoff win over the Los Angeles Rams, somewhat unclear. However, on Tuesday, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni provided the first indication of Hurts’ status for Sunday’s NFC Championship game against the Washington Commanders.
“We are preparing with him being the quarterback,” Sirianni said in his weekly interview on 94 WIP.
While he stopped short of confirming Hurts will start, Sirianni’s comments offer optimism for a team aiming to reach its second Super Bowl in three years. Hurts suffered the injury midway through the second quarter of the Rams game after being sacked. He played one more play before heading to the medical tent before halftime.
Hurts had previously expressed his intention to play on Sunday, and now his coach is backing him up.
Remarkably, Hurts finished the game despite the injury, but he acknowledged after the game that something was wrong. “I was able to finish the game, and we’ll see how the week goes,” Hurts said. He also emphasized that he wasn’t unsure about his availability for Sunday, adding, “Just seeing how the week will go. Seeing how things progress.”
In the game, Hurts showcased his skill with a 44-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and threw for 128 yards, completing 15 of 20 passes.
Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett, who has seen action with the first-team offense in recent games, could be an option if Hurts is unable to play. Pickett started against Washington and Dallas, with a mixed performance in the loss to Washington and a stronger showing in the win over Dallas, where he threw for 143 yards and a touchdown in a 41-7 victory.
