DECEMBER 30: Although the Eagles have kept their cards close to the vest regarding Hurts’ New Year’s Day availability, they effectively declared their intentions Friday. Philadelphia lists Hurts as doubtful to face New Orleans this week. Minshew looks set to make his fourth start as an Eagle, with the team one win away from locking up home-field advantage with a backup quarterback for the second time in six years. Unlike 2017, however, Philly’s starter is expected to lead the Super Bowl push.
DECEMBER 25: The Eagles failed to lock up the top spot in the NFC with their loss to the Cowboys yesterday, bringing the status of their quarterback into question for the remaining contests of the regular season. With something still to play for, Jalen Hurts could be back on the field on New Year’s Day. 
Had Philadelphia clinched the No. 1 seed by beating Dallas, the team would have had the option of sitting Hurts for the remainder of the regular season as he continues to heal from a shoulder sprain suffered in Week 15. Instead, the door remains open (albeit slightly) for the Cowboys to win the division; meanwhile, the Vikings’ win on Sunday leaves them just one game behind the Eagles for the top spot in the conference and associated bye week to begin the postseason.
Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported yesterday that Hurts would “push to play” against the Saints in Week 17 in the event that game still had playoff implications (video link). Likewise, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network adds that there is a “real chance” the MVP candidate could suit up on Sunday (video link). That would represent a quick turnaround relative to the initial prognosis Hurts was given, which pointed to a two-week absence being likely.
At 13-2, the Eagles are still in pole position to win the NFC. Their offense also put up 27 points and 442 yards yesterday with Gardner Minshew at the helm, demonstrating the unit’s potential without Hurts in their matchup with the Saints. A return from the latter would nevertheless be a welcomed sight, given his substantial step forward taken this season in terms of production. The 24-year-old has totaled 3,472 passing yards and 22 touchdowns this season, adding 747 yards and 13 scores on the ground. Those figures have made him a Pro Bowler for the first time in his career, and put the Eagles squarely in Super Bowl contention.
Hurts’ participation in practice over the coming days will be worth monitoring closely. His ability to play through the pain caused by the injury will likely determine whether or not the Eagles dress him against the Saints, whose playoff fate has yet to be determined despite their 6-9 record. Even if Minshew starts once again, therefore, there will be plenty to play for next Sunday.
I hope he plays. yes minshew played pretty good yesterday BUT he turned it 3 times his self. the biggest issue is the defense. Don’t know what Gannon was thinking yesterday but his game plan was trash
Really came down to a few horrible TOs and horrid 3rd down defense. I think everything else was decent, but as one says to Mrs. Lincoln…
QB throws for 350 and you think everything was decent?
Jalen is Hurt
He can stay hurt. Keep playing minshew
At least start the Stache with Jalen as his back up in case needed. Just make him available.
Hope Gannon gets a hc job somewhere just got to go!
He should get these reps so he can be fully stretched out when Nick bosa plants a flag in his bum
If teams are going to shut down their best players late in the season then fans deserve to have ticket prices discounted accordingly. More of these players should have performance incentives in their contracts so there will always be something to play for.
You would run the risk of a star getting a career-ending injury in a meaningless Week 18 game. Philly wants to wrap up the NFC East by New Year’s night so the Eagles can rest regulars in Week 18.
That’s always been the traditional approach and while there is a degree of logic to resting key starters the final week, it has sometimes backfired with the team losing it’s momentum and edge heading into a playoff match.
They will if the team isn’t in the playoff picture. Otherwise, full price it is.
Jalen still hurts
beat me to it
What is the deal with no links to Pro Football Reference!!??
Do I need to call Tim Dierkes?
Too bad. This will cost him the MVP. It’ll go to Mahomes now.
MVP Justin Jefferson!
this sucks.
Hurts has had a hell of a year. I’d just rest him up for the playoffs. This is why smart teams (like the Eagles in this case) budget for competent backup QBs. Drives me crazy that the bengals refuse to. Burrow goes down and the season is over as the #2 QB is totally worthless.
Tyler Boyd should be the Bengals primary backup. He has a 118.7 passer rating.
Minshew is a total disaster. Now the Eagles have to play Hurts next week .