Jalen Hurts Scores Huge Win Before A Much-needed Bye Week

As much as Jalen Hurts hates talking about his injured left knee, he made a confession on Sunday night.

“I don’t think the bye week could have come at a better time,” Hurts said.

Seriously.

After watching Hurts’ knee go through DeMarcus Lawrence’s helmet late in the second quarter, there were some serious questions about whether or not he would even finish Sunday’s game against the Cowboys.

By now you probably know: He did it, and the Eagles won a wild 28-23 game.

Although Hurts did not leave the field after taking the shot to his knee, the next play was a handoff and Hurts limped to the bench and then continued to the locker room with four seconds remaining in the first half.

Hurts’ teammates have seen him play in pain before, but even they wondered whether or not their leader would finish the game.

“I had no idea how he felt,” left tackle Jordan Mailata said. “And I came in at halftime and the guy was walking around perfectly with an IV bag and said, ‘Let’s go.’ We have to get the whole thing rolling.’”

Hurts was the last player out of the tunnel in the second half, but quickly led the Eagles on a 60-yard touchdown drive to gain a lead that they ultimately didn’t relinquish. While the Eagles’ offense definitely faltered as time went on, Hurts was the catalyst in the third quarter as the Eagles built a lead.

His teammates have previously spoken about the morale boost it gives them when they see their leader playing despite an injury. On Sunday this boost was there again.

“I don’t like it,” Hurts said. “I would like to be quite good, but like I said, I would do anything for this city and for my teammates. It takes what it takes, and that’s simply put. Whatever it takes, I’m just glad we were able to get this win and showed so much resilience.”

On the afternoon, Hurts completed 17 of 23 passes for 207 yards and 2 touchdowns. Despite the injury, he rushed 10 times for 36 yards and scored a touchdown on a QB sneak in the second quarter.

The Eagles have been quiet about Hurts’ injury, but there’s really no hiding it. We’ve all seen him limp for a few moments in games over the last few weeks.

“Yeah, he’s tough as hell,” head coach Nick Sirianni said. “However, was never on the injury report as his playing status was never in doubt. Great leader, great player, rising to the occasion in big moments.

“That’s him. And whether his body feels 100%, whether his body doesn’t feel 100%, which no one is entitled to at this point, he is a warrior. Despite all the bumps and bruises, he will play at a high level because he is a great player.”

In nine games, Hurts has played every single offensive snap for the Eagles and is among the favorites to win the league’s MVP award.

Entering their bye week, the Eagles are 8-1, giving them the best record in the NFL. They won’t return to action until November 20th on Monday Night Football in Kansas City.

That’s a solid over two weeks for Hurts to let the knee heal. When asked about the recovery plan, Hurts said he wasn’t sure.

At least it can’t hurt to get some rest.

“I really don’t know what to say. “It was a tough win, it was a tough win,” Hurts said. “It was a tough win. Great respect for this team. Always very competitive and with great players. But I don’t think the bye week could come at a better time.”