Amidst Jalen Hurts’ aversion to discussing his ailing left knee, he reluctantly admitted that the bye week was impeccably timed.
No exaggeration.
Given the blow his knee endured from DeMarcus Lawrence’s helmet in the second quarter, questions arose as to whether Hurts would even be able to complete Sunday’s game against the Cowboys.
In case you missed it: He did and the Eagles triumphed in a thrilling 28-23 showdown.
Though Hurts stayed on the field after the knee hit, he hobbled to the bench after the subsequent play, then limped into the locker room with 4 seconds left in the first half.
Even Hurts’ teammates questioned whether their leader could carry on.
“I had no idea how he was feeling,” left tackle Jordan Mailata said. “And I came in at halftime and the guy was walking around perfect with an IV bag, saying, ‘Let’s go. We gotta get this s— rolling.'”
Hurts emerged from the tunnel last for the second half but promptly led the Eagles on a 60-yard touchdown drive, securing a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Though the Eagles’ offense faltered down the stretch, Hurts propelled them in the third quarter to build a lead.
His teammates have previously described the boost it gives them when they witness their leader persevering through injury. That boost was evident again on Sunday.
“I don’t like it being that way,” Hurts said. “I’d love to be all good but, as I said, I’d do anything for this city and for my teammates. It takes what it takes and that’s simply put. Whatever it takes and I’m just happy that we were able to gut out this win and we showed so much resilience.”
In total, Hurts completed 17 of 23 passes for 207 yards and 2 touchdowns. Despite the injury, he also rushed 10 times for 36 yards and punched in a touchdown on a QB sneak in the second quarter.
The Eagles have been secretive about Hurts’ injury, but it’s hard to conceal. We’ve all witnessed him limping through moments in games over the past few weeks.
“Yeah, again, he’s tough as heck,” head coach Nick Sirianni said. “Never been on the injury report though because his play status has never been in doubt. Great leader, great player, rises to the occasion in big time moments.
“That’s who he is. And so, whether his body is feeling 100%, whether his body is not feeling 100%, which nobody’s body is at this particular time, he’s a warrior. He’s going to play through bumps and bruises and at a high level because he’s a big-time player.”
Through nine games, Hurts has played every single offensive snap for the Eagles and is among the top contenders to win the league MVP award.
As the Eagles enter their bye week, they sit at 8-1 with the NFL’s best record. They won’t be back in action until Monday Night Football in Kansas City on Nov. 20.
That gives Hurts a solid two-plus weeks to let his knee heal. When asked about his recovery plan, Hurts expressed uncertainty.
If nothing else, some rest won’t hurt.
“I don’t really know what to say. It was a gritty win, it was a gritty win,” Hurts said. “It was a tough win. Much respect to that team. Always very competitive and have great players. But I don’t think the bye week could come at a better time.”
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