Former NFL players send stern warning to Nick Sirianni about Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirianni's Philadelphia Eagles were faced with a big question about managing injuries going into Week 18 with Saquon Barkley. They elected to play it safe, sitting the running back and ruining his chance to earn the rushing record.

Now, heading into their first playoff game of the season, they face another risk-reward question. With Jalen Hurts still working through his concussion recovery, how much do they lean on him? On a January 9 edition of "Get Up," former NFL players Jason McCourty and Dan Orlovsky gave a warning.

Jason McCouty said: [00:06:47] "Let's get him through the game. ... Do not let Jalen Hurts run the ball in this game."

Dan Orlovsky: [00:07:01] "I agree with [McCourty] on this. If I'm Kellen Moore, the last thing I want to do is take my quarterback fresh off that concussion protocol. I want him to not get hit at all this Sunday."

The worry is that if Jalen Hurts plays at less than 100%, his injuries could compound. If the quarterback gets knocked out of the game at any moment, it could cost the Eagles their season.

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Exploring impact of Jalen Hurts' two injuries leading into showdown against Green Bay Packers

Hurts at Philadelphia Eagles v Washington Commanders - Source: Getty

The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback's concussion has been in the injury in the spotlight, but it isn't his only one. The quarterback is listed as having an injury to his left finger going into the game.

According to the team's injury report, Hurts had a limited practice on Wednesday. The injuries are having an impact on his ability to prepare for the game on Sunday. As such, there's a chance that after already missing essentially every game since his December 15 showing against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he could be rusty.

At least for the first quarter, Hurts could be off as he works through the rust over the past month. As such, that would be a big advantage to Jordan Love's Green Bay Packers, at least early in the game.

Hurts' ability to practice the other two days leading up to the game could be paramount in deciding whether the Eagles advance past the Packers. The latter upset the Dallas Cowboys to kick off Love's playoff career last season.

Will the Eagles be able to win with a compromised version of Jalen Hurts?