Eagles' Jalen Hurts on track to play in the NFC title game despite knee injury: 'There won't be any excuses'

PHILADELPHIA — Jalen Hurts is committed to doing what it takes to win, even if that means he must play through injury.

It wouldn’t be the first time.

The 26-year-old Eagles quarterback confirmed Wednesday that he is on track to play in Sunday’s NFC championship game against the Washington Commanders despite suffering a knee injury in the divisional round against the Los Angeles Rams.

Hurts said he has been “progressing” since the win over the Rams, as evidenced by his limited status on Wednesday’s estimated injury report. The Eagles held a walk-through instead of a practice, so his designation was an estimation. Hurts said he is “taking it a day at a time” as the Eagles prepare to practice on Thursday and Friday.

In his fourth playoff appearance, Hurts is no stranger to injuries at this time of the year. He played through an ankle injury in the 2021 playoffs, a shoulder sprain in 2022, and ankle and finger injuries last postseason. Now, not only is Hurts dealing with the knee issue, but also he’s still recovering from a broken finger on his left hand that he likely suffered in early December against the Carolina Panthers. Hurts said that his finger injury has “gotten better” over time, but it is still not fully healed.

“It’s a part of the game,” Hurts said of his postseason injury luck. “I accept whatever comes with that. I’ve told you guys, I’ve submitted myself to doing whatever it takes to win. And some things come with that. But ultimately, you’ve just got to make the adjustments you need to make to be able to play at a high level. There won’t be any excuses going in or coming out.”

Hurts may not make any excuses, but it’s fair to wonder how the knee injury could limit his mobility come Sunday. Prior to suffering the injury, his rushing prowess was one of his greatest strengths against the Rams, as he bolted for a 44-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. His runs, either designed or improvised, were curtailed after he took his fifth sack of the night and sustained his knee injury.

When asked if he would be able to play like he usually would despite the injury, rushing ability and all, Hurts said that “every game is different.” He reiterated that he wanted to “take it a day at a time and continue to progress.”

The Eagles don’t have to try very hard to imagine what Sunday’s game could look like with a less agile quarterback at the helm. Hurts missed the majority of the Eagles’ Week 16 loss to the Commanders after suffering a concussion in the first quarter.

Once Hurts came out, the Commanders defense sold out to stop Saquon Barkley— according to Next Gen Stats, the Commanders aligned in a single-high shell on 40 of the final 59 plays (67.8%), loading up the box against Barkley. Washington fared well against the Eagles’ run game in that look, limiting Barkley to 28 yards on his 18 carries against single-high safety shells.

Even though Hurts didn’t play for most of that game, he still lauded the Commanders defense for its talent and the growth it has continued to make since their last meeting.

“Really well-coached group,” Hurts said. “They fly to the ball. They affect the passer. They have great defensive backs. I think they’re a great team, obviously, to be playing consistent ball like they have. They’re a really good team. Really good group on defense, for sure.”

That group will likely attempt to pressure Hurts just as much as the Rams did in the divisional round. Hurts was sacked seven times, the most he has taken in a single game this season. According to Next Gen Stats, six of those sacks came over four seconds after the snap, which is the most of that particular duration that he has taken in a game in his career.

Hurts and his injured knee can’t afford to take as many blows this week. He acknowledged that there is “always an urgency to get the ball out,” but the effectiveness of a play depends on multiple factors.

“I think all 11 just have to be on the same page going through on that,” Hurts said. “What our MO is and what we’re trying to accomplish in certain moments. Everybody being on the same page and I know I’ll always take the brunt of that and I own that. So I try to control what I can in everything and be better.”

Eagles open 21-day window for Covey

The Eagles opened the 21-day practice window for Britain Covey on Wednesday. The 27-year-old wide receiver and punt return specialist has been on injured reserve for the last month with a neck injury. He was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday’s estimated injury report.

By opening his practice window, the Eagles are making the first step toward his activation from injured reserve. He could return to action as early as Sunday’s NFC championship game if the team decides he is ready to play. If not, Covey could still be activated in time for the Super Bowl if the Eagles advance.

Covey, the 2022 undrafted free agent out of Utah, has spent two stints on injured reserve this season. He was initially sidelined due to a broken shoulder blade sustained against the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. Covey returned in Week 12, but he was inactive two weeks later with the neck injury for the next three games until he went on injured reserve again on Dec. 28.

Before suffering his injuries, Covey was the Eagles’ first-string punt returner. Cooper DeJean has assumed his role in his absence. Covey also contributed on offense, posting seven receptions for 34 yards in five games in 2024.

Injury report

Dallas Goedert (ankle) and Cam Jurgens (back) were listed as non-participants on the estimated injury report on Wednesday.

Quinyon Mitchell, who exited the divisional-round game with a shoulder injury in the first quarter and did not return to action, was listed as a limited participant. He said in the locker room after walk-through that he will be “ready to go this Sunday.”

A.J. Brown (knee/rest), Lane Johnson (knee/rest), and Josh Sweat (ankle/rest) were also listed as limited.