Jalen Hurts Returns to Practice with Philadelphia Eagles
In a scene that surely lifts the spirits of Eagles fans, Jalen Hurts made a notable comeback to the practice field this past Wednesday. After 17 days away, he diligently navigated through the concussion protocol to join his teammates once again. Though his involvement was limited, it marked a crucial step in his ongoing recovery process.
Embracing the Chill
The brisk weather didn’t seem to faze Hurts. He took to the field without sleeves, sporting a glove on his left hand, matching the intensity of the full-pad practice session. This approach echoes the strategies reminiscent of the Eagles' triumphant 2017 Super Bowl season, perhaps signaling good omens for the upcoming wildcard playoff game.
Teammates Take Notice
His presence didn't go unnoticed by his teammates. Left tackle Jordan Mailata expressed excitement at Hurts' return, commenting, "He looked sharp today. It was awesome to have him back. That energy was there." Similarly, Lane Johnson remarked, "First practice back, he looked crisp and sharp, so it was a great practice." Such endorsements speak volumes to Hurts’ preparedness and determination.
Yet, amidst all the focus on the field, there’s a conscious reminder that health comes first. "I'm really worried more about his health than just playing. The brain is gonna be there forever," Darius Slay emphasized, underlining the broader concerns that hover over every athlete post-injury.
Playoff Preparations
The Eagles are set to face off against the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round. As the team ramps up its preparations, there's cautious optimism about Hurts’ potential to start, pending protocol clearance. If he does take the field, he could join an exclusive club, becoming the first quarterback since Donovan McNabb in 2002 to play in a playoff game after attempting five or fewer passes in the last trio of regular-season games.
Fueled by a blend of anticipation and caution, Johnson reaffirmed the team's focused mindset, "We are not taking anything lightly, not looking past anybody." As the practice routine settles into familiar rhythms, everyone in the Eagles camp seems poised for what promises to be a thrilling postseason opener.