Is Jalen Hurts playing the Wild Card Game against Packers this week?
Nick Sirianni gave the update on Jalen Hurts’ availability for the Wild Card game, confirming he has been cleared from concussion protocol.
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Jalen Hurts (Image via NFL.com)
The Philadelphia Eagles hit a major roadblock when their star quarterback Jalen Hurts sustained a concussion in Week 16 of the 2024 regular season. Although the team pulled off the victory during the succeeding week, the crucial question in the mind of everyone is whether Hurts is playing the Wild Card Game.
After clinching the NFC East with a 14-3 record, the Eagles are set to face off against the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card game – where they got eliminated last season. Fortunately for them, quarterback Hurts has been cleared to play the opening game of the postseason.
While addressing the media on Friday, the Eagles’ head coach Nick Sirianni gave the update on Hurts’ availability for the Wild Card game. He revealed that the two-time Pro Bowler had cleared the concussion protocol properly and was permitted to return to the field. He found his way to practice in full capacity on Thursday after joining in limited capacity on Wednesday.
He made it through the protocol. He’s had a good week of practice. Really good week.
Nick Sirianni said
#Eagles QB Jalen Hurts has officially cleared concussion protocol and will start on Sunday vs. the Green Bay Packers. pic.twitter.com/bSqX9fmO5u
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 10, 2025
In Hurts’ absence, the Eagles were relying on backup Kenny Pickett, who made headlines in the penultimate game of the Eagles regular season for a hilarious fumble. If it wasn’t for star running back Saquon Barkley, Philly’s chance of winning the divisional title may have been jeopardized.
However, now that Hurts has returned and looking more “sharped” as his teammate, left tackle Jordan Mailata, the team has to divert all their focus on dominating the postseason.
Nick Sirianni prioritizes Jalen Hurts’ health as Eagles prepare for playoffs
While it’s non-negotiable for the Eagles to divert their focus anywhere else but the upcoming wild-card game, head coach Sirianni emphasized the need to be careful with quarterback Hurts on the field. He highlighted the importance of taking care of his health and protecting him with all means on the field.
We’re always careful with him. He’s our quarterback, so we always want to be careful with him. We always think about his health first and foremost because you never want him not to be on the field. You always want Jalen Hurts on the field. You always feel better when Jalen Hurts is on the field.
Nick Sirianni said
As the Eagles focus on protecting the Second-team All-Pro in an improved manner, Sirianni also expressed his confidence in Hurts getting straight back to the momentum they had with a ten-game winning streak until he suffered the concussion in the opening quarter of Week 16.
The NFC Wildcard game between the 7th-seed Green Bay Packers and the 2nd-seed Philadelphia Eagles will take place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on January 12 at 4:30 p.m. ET (3:25 p.m. CT).
Related: Sam Darnold eyes establishing his “legacy” in playoffs with Vikings
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Pratyusha Srivastava
(2078 Articles Published)