Eagles' Jalen Hurts Confident He'll Play vs. Commanders in Playoffs Amid Knee Injury

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts told reporters that he expects to play in next weekend's NFC Championship Game against the Washington Commanders after suffering a knee injury during Sunday's 28-22 win over the Los Angeles Rams.

While Hurts didn't miss any drives after suffering the injury in the second half, he was clearly hobbled and less than 100 percent. Given the impact he makes as a runner as well as a passer, such an injury significantly changes Philadelphia's offensive approach.

Hurts' health was also the biggest question mark for the Eagles heading into the 2024 playoffs after he missed the final two games of the regular season due to a concussion suffered on Dec. 22.

He came down with the injury when his head collided with the turf following a hit by the Washington Commanders' Frankie Luvu in the first quarter of the Eagles' Week 16 loss.

Hurts led the Eagles to a 12-2 record prior to his injury. He finished the season having completed 68.7 percent of his passes for 2,903 yards and 18 touchdowns with five interceptions, while notching the highest passer rating of his career at 103.7.

He also added 14 rushing touchdowns to his stat line thanks in part to the Eagles' signature "tush push" play.

He returned to practice ahead of Wild Card weekend and cleared concussion protocol, leading the Birds to a 22-10 win while throwing for 131 yards and two scores. During Sunday's victory over the Rams he threw for 128 yards and rushed for 70 yards and a touchdown, though he did take seven sacks. He has not turned the ball over in the playoffs.

The Eagles will rely on Saquon Barkley more than ever if Hurts is forced to miss any time. The star running back led the NFL with a career-high 2,0005 rushing yards in 16 regular-season appearances.

Philadelphia will hope to get Hurts will be good to go next week as the team resumes the hunt for their first Super Bowl win since Nick Foles led them to victory in 2017. If he's unable to go, Kenny Pickett would be called into starting duty.