In a positive sign for the Philadelphia Eagles, quarterback Jalen Hurts participated fully in practice on Thursday.
The 26-year-old quarterback, who has been out since Dec. 22 with a concussion and finger injury, returned to full practice three days before the NFL Playoffs. Philadelphia hosts the Green Bay Packers on Sunday in the NFC Wild Card game.
Hurts suffered the concussion during the Eagles’ loss to the Washington Commanders on December 22, leaving the field after his head hit the turf in a tackle. Hurts did not practice in Week 17 or Week 18; He was limited in practice Wednesday.
According to the league concussion protocolA player must receive clearance from the team’s Independent Neurological Consultant (INC) before returning to full participation. The fact that Hurts has left non-contact drills behind is a good sign for his return this weekend.
Three days before a wild card game against the Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts was promoted to full practice participant.
Tendency to return after missing two games while in concussion protocol. pic.twitter.com/okZaAsuiHt
– Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) January 9, 2025
Hurts’ return is a positive for the Eagles, who went two games without their starting quarterback. Kenny Pickett took over as QB1 in Philadelphia’s win against the Dallas Cowboys before suffering a rib injury; Tanner McKee took over from there and led the Eagles to another victory against the New York Giants on Sunday. Pickett was limited in practice Thursday because of the rib injury.
The status of Green Bay QB1 Jordan Love is also up in the air for Sunday. Love was also limited in practice Wednesday with a right elbow injury, but participated fully Thursday. After Wednesday’s practice, Love said he was “hopeful” he could play this weekend.