Jalen Hurts has not played since suffering a head injury in the Philadelphia Eagles's Week 16 loss to the Washington Commanders. Hurts is a key part of the Eagles' identity, and his status remains a mystery a few days before their wild-card round game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Hence, let's examine Hurts' status and whether he'll be available for the Eagles' first-round matchup at Lincoln Financial Field.
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Will Jalen Hurts play in the playoffs?
Jalen Hurts' status for the playoffs is currently unclear as the perennial Pro Bowler is in the league's concussion protocol. Hurts suffered a head injury on Dec. 22, 2024, and hasn't played a snap of football ever since.
The dual-threat QB must feature in training sessions and pass through the mandatory five-step protocol before being cleared to return to the Gridiron. On Monday, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni told reporters that Hurts remains in the concussion protocol.
USA Today states that the concussion protocol is a five-step process that an NFL player must follow after suffering a head injury. The steps are symptom-limited activity, aerobic exercise, football-specific exercise, team-based non-contact training drills, and full football activity/clearance.
The Eagles have not stated where Hurts is in the recovery process, and fans must wait until Wednesday before the team releases an injury update. Only then will the superstar quarterback's status be clearer.
Who could replace Jalen Hurts?
To compound the Philadelphia Eagles' woes, QB2 Kenny Pickett is currently dealing with injury issues. The former Pittsburgh standout has broken ribs. He could not play against the New York Giants last Sunday, so he's a long shot to start in the playoffs.
That leaves Tanner McKee as the likely starter for the playoff opener against the Green Bay Packers. McKee is fresh off an impressive 269 passing yards and two touchdowns against the New York Giants in Week 18.
The Eagles will monitor Hurts and Pickett in the lead-up to the wild card game. However, they'll have an in-form McKee to lead the line just in case their more experienced quarterbacks are inactive.
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