Live analysis as Jalen Hurts returns in NFL playoffs


PHILADELPHIA − It shouldn’t take long to determine if Jalen Hurts is back to full strength, or close enough for him to run like he was before he suffered a shoulder injury back on Dec. 18.

In fact, it could happen as soon as the first play. Chances are, the Eagles will put the read-option back into their offense against the Giants. And if Hurts sees the Giants leaning towards running back Miles Sanders, then Hurts could pull the ball away from Sanders and take off himself.

At that point, we’ll know that all restrictions about Hurts taking a hit to the shoulder have been taken off. Of course, it will bear watching to see how Hurts responds to such a hit. But you can expect to find the answer quickly.

And the Eagles will need to see it quickly too.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, right, avoids a sack by New York Giants linebacker Tomon Fox during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Philadelphia.

That’s because their offense isn’t nearly as dynamic if Hurts is strictly a pocket passer, like he was in the last meeting against the Giants, on Jan. 8 in the Eagles’ 22-16 win. Hurts clearly stayed away from contact as he threw 35 times while running only 9 times, and 3 of those runs were kneel-downs at the end of the game. Hurts also did not have any designed runs called for him.



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