Jalen Hurts Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts 'pushing to play' Sunday vs. Saints

The Philadelphia Eagles have officially listed quarterback Jalen Hurts as doubtful for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. However, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that Hurts is "pushing to play."  

According to Pelissero, Hurts has made "significant strides" in his recovery from a sprained shoulder suffered in the Eagles' Week 15 victory over the Chicago Bears and, after practicing several times this week, has yet to be ruled out.  

On Friday, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni noted that Hurts had a good practice on Thursday but said the team hasn't "decided anything yet" regarding whether or not he'll suit up against New Orleans. 

At 13-2, the Eagles are one win away from clinching the No. 1 seed in the NFC, and Philly could use Hurts on the field Sunday. But, as Sirianni pointed out, Hurts' health is the primary concern.

Dallas Goedert, the Eagles' starting tight end, told reporters that he wasn't sure if anyone knew if Hurts would play. But Goedert was impressed "watching the ball come off his fingers," adding that Hurts "looks good." 

If Hurts can't go against the Saints, the Eagles will turn to backup Gardner Minshew again. Minshew started for the Eagles last week against the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Eve, finishing 24-of-40 for 355 yards and a touchdown. However, three turnovers by Minshew — two interceptions and a fumble — proved costly in the Eagles' 40-34 loss to Dallas. 

Minshew said he's "ready to go" on Sunday if need be, but when asked by reporters if he'll get the start against the Saints, he responded, "What did coach say?"

While the Eagles have been mum on Hurts' status, it's safe to say he won't be on the field against the Saints. And it's likely the smart move. The NFC's top seed is still up for grabs, but if the Eagles can't beat one of its two remaining opponents, the Saints and New York Giants, without Hurts, they don't deserve the top spot in the conference anyway.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Pacers ride historic shooting performance to Game 7 blowout of Knicks
Timberwolves mount incredible second-half comeback to stun Nuggets in Game 7
Xander Schauffele proves doubters wrong with historic win at 2024 PGA Championship
Four things we learned from Joey Logano's All-Star Race win at North Wilkesboro
Phil Foden lifts Manchester City to fourth consecutive English Premier League title
Watch: Aaron Judge blasts 13th home run in Yankees' seventh straight win
Canucks won't have linchpin forward for Game 7 vs. Oilers
Jags reportedly mulling extension for Trevor Lawrence, but is that the right choice?
Gordon Hayward calls role with Thunder 'frustrating'
Mets reliever Edwin Diaz showing short shelf life of closers
Three offseason moves the 49ers must make
Watch: NASCAR drivers exchange punches after crash in All-Star Race
Knicks star offers passionate defense of HC Tom Thibodeau after Game 7 loss
Knicks' Jalen Brunson suffers serious injury in Game 7 vs. Pacers
Dodgers add recently acquired left-hander to active roster
Report: 2023 No. 7 pick expected to terminate KHL contract, join Flyers
Mavericks advance to Western Conference Finals aided by controversial call late
Connor McDavid, Oilers hammer Canucks to force Game 7
Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk epic increases excitement for potential rematch
Seize the Grey wins in muddy Preakness