Eagles WR A.J. Brown defends Jalen Hurts over practice report

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/11/22

Star wide receiver A.J. Brown joined the Philadelphia Eagles from the Tennessee Titans via a trade that occurred on the first night of this year's NFL Draft and later commented that playing with quarterback and "best friend" Jalen Hurts will ultimately be "real special."

The two haven't yet connected on the field during a meaningful game, but Brown is already leaving little doubt he'll have his teammate's back moving forward.

According to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, longtime Eagles reporter Derrick Gunn suggested on a recent edition of the "Sports Take" podcast that some within the organization are "not very comfortable" with Hurts after watching him work during offseason training. Specifically, Gunn referenced how Hurts threw "three interceptions and four incompletions while being sacked three times" during a 10-play sequence in late May.

Brown refuted the story via Twitter.

"That practice stuff about Jalen is fake," Brown wrote. "Y’all tweet and believe anything. Like how can he get sacked on 7on7 and there aren’t any rushers. I believe water is above us. Believe that too and make a article about that too. This app is crazy."

Brown added:

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, head coach Nick Sirianni, and general manager Howie Roseman all offered Hurts public votes of confidence following the team's reported interest in signal-caller Deshaun Watson, who waived his no-trade clause to join the Cleveland Browns from the Houston Texans in March. Brown's efforts are certainly admirable, but Hurts may have to take a figurative leap in his third pro season if the Eagles are to commit to him beyond the upcoming campaign.

More must-reads: