Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is slated to start Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Washington Commanders, despite a lingering left knee injury. This comes after a week of fluctuating practice participation and ongoing speculation about his mobility. Hurts was a full participant in practice on Thursday and Friday, leading to his removal from the team's injury report. However, his ability to evade pressure and avoid further harm remains a central question as the Eagles vie for a Super Bowl berth.
The injury, which affected his left knee, first surfaced during the Eagles' divisional round win over the Los Angeles Rams. Hurts was seen limping and later visited the medical tent after a sack in the second quarter. He has a history of playing through injuries, including a sprained right shoulder two seasons prior that sidelined him for two games during their Super Bowl run.
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Despite his apparent readiness to play, concerns persist regarding the effectiveness of Hurts' dual-threat capabilities. He has a history of impactful performances even when managing physical limitations, as evidenced by a 2023 game where he threw for 319 yards and four touchdowns with an injured left knee, contributing to a 7-1 record for the Eagles at the time.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni has indicated that Hurts will be utilized, even if it means he continues to be a running threat. Hurts himself stated on Friday that his knee is improving, though he anticipates wearing a brace.
The team faced uncertainty at the quarterback position earlier in the week, with Hurts being limited in Wednesday's practice. His status for the NFC Championship Game had been in doubt, particularly after being sacked seven times against the Rams.
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