Signs are pointing toward Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts playing in their wild-card matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Hurts has missed the team's past two games after suffering a concussion in a Week 16 loss to the Washington Commanders. On Wednesday, he practiced for the first time since suffering the injury.
Jalen Hurts out here and throwing for practice at the Linc pic.twitter.com/LcZlzTvD5y
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) January 8, 2025
"He looked sharp today," Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata said of Hurts, per ESPN's Tim McManus. "It was awesome to have him back. He came back with high energy."
Per McManus, Hurts was a limited participant. If he's symptom-free, the QB should become a full participant in his next practice, increasing his chances of playing.
Hurts still needs to clear concussion protocol, which includes approval from an independent neurologist. If he doesn't, the Eagles will start backup QB Kenny Pickett or Tanner McKee.
Although Hurts has missed two games, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni doesn't seem worried about the QB showing signs of rust.
"This is why you practice," Sirianni said, via NBC Sports Philadelphia's Dave Zangaro. "This is why you go through the process of practicing and all the things you do in practice to get on the same page and do everything there. We feel like we practice at a high intensity level. This is why you go out there and do those things."
Hurts also seemed to be entering the zone before the injury. In a 27-13 Week 15 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, he finished 25-of-32 passing for 290 yards and two touchdowns.
The Packers (11-6) could present a favorable matchup for Hurts and Co. Green Bay lost two of its last three regular-season games and recently placed star cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) on injured reserve.
As of Thursday, ESPN Bet lists the Eagles (14-3) as a 4.5-point favorite in their home game on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. ET.
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