Is Jalen Hurts playing today? Exploring the Eagles QB's status for Week 18

The Philadelphia Eagles started quarterback Kenny Pickett against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, as Jalen Hurts was still recovering from a concussion.

Hurts left the Week 16 encounter with the Washington Commanders in the first quarter due to a head injury sustained when linebacker Frankie Luvu struck him, and his head hit the ground.

Some fans are wondering if Hurts has passed the concussion protocol and will play again at Lincoln Financial Field when the Eagles take on the New York Giants in their regular season finale on Sunday.

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Exploring Jalen Hurts' availability status for Week 18

Jalen Hurts was probably not going to take part in the Philadelphia Eagles' regular-season game against the New York Giants today, even if he was fit, as coach Nick Sirianni said this week that he planned to bench key players.

Nevertheless, Hurts hasn't yet passed the concussion protocol, so he's still ineligible to play for the Eagles. The star quarterback won't play today, but he has time to recover and be ready for the playoff first round next week.

It's still unknown what stage of the protocol he's in at the moment and when he will complete it. There are five steps in the NFL's concussion protocol. Activity that's restricted by symptoms is the first phase; aerobic exercise is the second; football-specific exercises are the third; club-based non-contact training drills are the fourth; and full football activity and clearance is the final step.

Sirianni didn't provide much information when asked about Hurt's status over the week but mentioned hat the quarterback "is progressing through the protocol.”

Moreover, Hurts' replacement at quarterback last week, Kenny Pickett, didn't practice this week and is questionable to suit up on Sunday because of rib problems. Tanner McKee is likely going to make his first NFL start against the Giants.

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How has Jalen Hurts performed this season?

Many, including coach Nick Sirianni, think Jalen Hurts should be considered for MVP because of his incredible season-long performance.

"Jalen's stats aren't going to say this, but Jalen deserves, like, Saquon deserves, being an MVP consideration," Sirianni said in December. "Jalen Hurts deserves to be an MVP consideration because of how clean a football game he's playing."

Hurts had 26 offensive touchdowns, 14 passing touchdowns to one interception and an average of 8.7 yards per pass attempt during the Eagles' 10-game winning streak from October to December.

Jalen Hurts has accumulated 2903 yards and 18 touchdowns as a passer this season. Moreover, his 14 rushing touchdowns rank third in the NFL and highest of any quarterback. He has now ended with 14 or more rushing touchdowns for the second consecutive season.