The Philadelphia Eagles and Jalen Hurts have lost two straight games now. Following the 19-42 loss against the San Francisco 49ers amid Brock Purdy’s resurgence, Philly again went down to their divisional rival Dallas Cowboys in Week 14.
The Eagles upcoming clash against the Seattle Seahawks will be very significant for them. They would be able to secure the NFC East title if they manage to beat the Seahawks and win all the final three games. Meanwhile, the Philly fans might be upset for a while as Hurts has been listed on the Eagles’ injury list ahead of the Week 15 clash.
Is Jalen Hurts going to play vs Seahawks?
Jalen Hurts raised eyebrows when he appeared wearing a leg brace during their Week 6 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Initially attributed to a knee injury, he downplayed concerns by assuring reporters post-game that he would recover swiftly. However, the situation took a turn as reports surfaced about the QB’s missing practice due to “illness”.
Despite assurances that the veteran’s absence from practice was “precautionary”, recent developments suggest a worsened illness, putting his participation in Monday night’s game in jeopardy. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported he is “questionable” to play against the Seattle Seahawks.
Nevertheless, Schefter noted the MVP frontrunner is very likely to play in the MNF, detailing his separate travel arrangements to prevent spreading the illness among the team.
The rescheduling of the Eagles vs. Seahawks game to Monday Night Football from its original Sunday slot has potentially worked in the signal-caller’s favor, allowing additional recovery time. This change is expected to bolster his chances of taking the field in Seattle considering the challenges he would have faced if the game had remained scheduled for Sunday.
Despite grappling with a nagging knee injury, Jalen Hurts has consistently showcased his dual-threat abilities by recording 3,192 yards, 19 touchdowns for 10 interceptions with 460 rushing yards as well as 12 touchdowns on the ground. What stands out amid this uncertainty is the QB’s durability. In a season marred by injuries of the starters, he has defied the odds by not missing a single game despite dealing with persistent health issues.
Who will replace Jalen Hurts?
If Jalen Hurts is unable to play, the spotlight turns to the capable shoulders of backup quarterback Marcus Mariota. The 30-year-old backup star brings a blend of experience and athleticism to the Eagles’ lineup.
Despite a challenging stint with the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, where he grappled with inconsistencies and a team that finished 5-8 during his tenure as a starter, the former No. 2 overall pick displayed remarkable performance. His 2,219 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, alongside a completion rate of 61.3 percent, signals his potential impact on the field. Mariota’s rushing prowess, amassing 438 yards and scoring four touchdowns, emerged as a silver lining in a difficult season for the Falcons.
However, the Eagles’ concerns extend beyond the quarterback position. The absence of key players like cornerback Darius Slay, recuperating from knee surgery, amplifies the team’s defensive challenges. In Slay’s absence, the team will look toward options within their cornerback roster, considering talents like Kelee Ringo, Josh Jobe, and Eli Ricks to fill the void.
Besides Slay, the sidelining of starting right guard Cam Jurgens due to a pectoral injury and starting linebacker Zach Cunningham’s knee ailment present further hurdles for Philly. With both players missing valuable practice sessions, they confront decisions regarding suitable replacements. Choosing between veteran Sua Opeta and rookie Tyler Steen to compensate for Jurgens’ absence becomes crucial, weighing Opeta’s experience against Steen’s potential in the match against the Seahawks on Monday night.
