The Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles returned to practice Wednesday in preparation for their NFC championship showdown Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.
All eyes were on Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Would Hurts practice after having his knee bent backward in Sunday’s NFC divisional round win over the Rams? While Hurts went to the blue medical tent, he quickly returned to the game. However, Hurts didn’t quite look the same for the remainder of the game.
On Wednesday, Hurts was listed as limited for Philadelphia’s first practice of the week. It wasn’t a full practice but a walkthrough. Hurts spoke to the media and intends to play on Sunday.
“It’s just been progressing,” Hurts said via Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports. “Taking it a day at a time. I was able to participate and being involved in stuff. Taking it one day at a time.”
Hurts’ mobility is a big part of his game and Philadelphia’s offense. The fifth-year quarterback rushed for 630 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. If Hurts is limited during Sunday’s game, it likely impacts how the Commanders defend the Eagles, specifically running back Saquon Barkley.
“Every game is different, so I’m just going to take it one day at a time,” Hurts said. “I’ll just continue to progress.”
A Philadelphia-area orthopedic surgeon speculated that Hurts could be dealing with a sprained ACL.
“Gun to my head, gut feeling, maybe a mild MCL sprain, medial collarette ligament, I think his ankle got caught up and then I think he tweaked the knee,” Dr. Mark Schwartz said.
Hurts was knocked out in the second half of Washington’s Week 16 game against Philadelphia with a concussion.
