The Philadelphia Eagles sealed their 2024 regular season with a narrow 20-13 victory against the New York Giants, setting the stage for the playoffs. With this win, Philadelphia capped off the season with 14 wins, securing the No. 2 seed in the NFC, and will now meet the Green Bay Packers for the Wild Card Round.
Despite the solid conclusion to the regular season, concern looms over the status of star quarterback Jalen Hurts, who has been sidelined since suffering a concussion during the first quarter of the Eagles' Week 16 loss to the Washington Commanders. Hurts has not participated in the last two games, including the recent win over the Giants, leaving fans anxious about his availability for next Sunday’s clash against the Packers.
After the game, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni provided insights on Hurts' condition, stating, "He is progressing through the (concussion) protocol. Can’t say much more when guys are in the protocol except for what I have already said," as reported by NJ.com. Hurts' absence has compelled the Eagles to utilize replacement quarterbacks, Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee, who managed to secure victories but not without raising questions about the team's performance without their first-string leader.
On the bright side, Hurts was present during the team’s walkthrough on Saturday, indicating potential steps forward in his recovery process. According to NBC’s John Clark, this development has sparked optimism among fans, with many considering it to be a good sign. "The Eagles are using Jalen Hurts in promotion for the Eagles Packers playoff game next Sunday. Jalen is progressing through concussion protocol and was at the Eagles walkthrough Saturday. Positive signs for him to be out there this coming week," Clark wrote. Fans on social media shared their excitement, posting playful messages such as, "Hello Jalen! Oh…Hello Jalen!" as they spotted Hurts on playoff promotional graphics.
The significance of Hurts returning to the lineup for the playoff game cannot be overstated. His absence from the field means the Eagles have missed out on his unique skill set, leadership, and capability to rally the team, especially as they head toward the postseason. Having led the Eagles to remarkable success during the regular season, including multiple standout performances, his presence on the field could be the determining factor against the Packers, who are primed for revenge after their earlier meeting.
The Eagles are no strangers to playoff pressure. This will mark another opportunity for quarterback Hurts to shine, especially considering his past performance against the Packers earlier this season. Though the Eagles fell short in their Week 1 matchup held in Brazil, where Hurts threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns but had two interceptions, there could be newfound motivation and strategy to turn the tables this time around.
The Eagles have faced their share of injuries throughout the season, and coach Sirianni has consistently aimed to keep the team focused on improvement and their capacity to perform, regardless of personnel. "I want to continue to getbetter each and every day. That’s been our mission this entire week for guys who are going to be playing and for those who aren’t," Sirianni stated before the Giants game.
With fans and analysts keeping close tabs on Hurts' status, the focus now shifts to expectant supporters rallying behind their team as they prepare for the pivotal playoff clash against Green Bay. The team's ability to convert past playoff disappointments, including losses under Sirianni’s leadership, will be tested. If Hurts can clear the final hurdles of the NFL’s concussion protocol and regain full readiness, the Eagles stand with promising chances to advance.
The Eagles will host the Packers at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, January 12, with kickoff slated for 4:30 p.m. EST. A healthy Hurts could amplify the Eagles’ playoff hopes, so all eyes will be on his progress throughout the week. The stakes have never been higher, as the team prepares to reclaim their standing as Super Bowl contenders with their quarterback leading the charge.