Getty Image / Scott Taetsch
At 14-3 and winners of 12 of their past 13 games, the Philadelphia Eagles are absolutely a top-flight Super Bowl contender as we head into the NFL playoffs. But, that’s all contingent on the health of quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Hurts has not played since suffering a concussion early on in the team’s Week 16 loss to the Washington Commanders. But, that seems like it’s going to change this weekend, that’s if a roster move is giving us a hint.
Hurts’ passing numbers this season aren’t anything to write home about, throwing for just under 3,000 yards and 18 touchdowns with 5 interceptions. But, the Eagles have leaned heavily on the run this year, which is a smart thing to do when you’ve got a healthy Saquon Barkley in the backfield. Hurts has 630 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns this year on the ground, both really impressive marks. The Eagles have elected to use the tush push instead of handoffs to Barkley in short-yardage situations, and it has paid off.
Kenny Pickett and, especially, Tanner McKee have played well while Jalen Hurts has been out. But the team needs their quarterback back for Sunday’s NFC Wild Card Round game against the Green Bay Packers.
We got a big hint on Tuesday that he will indeed be back. Despite not yet having cleared concussion protocol, the team decided to make a move to free up roster space for Jalen Hurts, waiving reserve quarterback Ian Book.
Eagles announce they have waived QB Ian Book. All indications point to the return of Jalen Hurts.
— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) January 7, 2025
This sounds like great news, Philadelphia fans.