It appears the Philadelphia Eagles will be taking no chances in their quest for the NFC’s top seed entering the postseason.
With the 13-3 Eagles one win from securing the No. 1 playoff seed in the conference, starting quarterback and potential Most Valuable Player candidate Jalen Hurts is expected to play in his team’s home game Sunday against the New York Giants, NFL Network reported Saturday.
Hurts has not played since injuring his throwing shoulder in a Dec. 18 against the Chicago Bears, although he played through the ailment in leading the Eagles to a 25-20 win. But the third-year passer sat out each of Philadelphia’s last two games — both losses with backup Gardner Minshew, at Dallas and home against New Orleans.
Hurts worked with the first-team offense in limited fashion in Thursday’s practice, and after head coach Nick Sirianni said before Friday’s workout that “it’s trending in the right direction” for Hurts to return, the team’s top QB was again limited Friday and officially deemed questionable.
Per NFL Network’s report, Hurts threw “extremely well in practice this week” and the team likely hopes to build an early lead in hopes of eventually pulling him later against the Giants, who at 9-6-1 cannot move up or down the NFC standings as the No. 6 seed.
Hurts entered Saturday with the NFL’s third-highest passer rating (104.6) with 22 touchdown passes and just five interceptions. He also has rushed for 747 yards and 13 touchdowns, which are tied for second-most in the league.
The Giants are also expected to rest several of their starters, including quarterback Daniel Jones. New York elevated Davis Webb off its practice squad on Friday.
The Eagles also officially activated safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who is tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions, and veteran defensive end Robert Quinn from injured reserve on Friday.
–Field Level Media