Eagles QB Jalen Hurts clears protocol and faces Packers

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has cleared concussion protocol, coach Nick Sirianni said Friday, clearing him to play Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.

Hurts returned to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday and transitioned to a full participant on Thursday. Sirianni was pleased with what he saw from Hurts this week, echoing the sentiments of left tackle Jordan Mailata, who said the quarterback “looked strong” in practice.

Hurts suffered a concussion in the first quarter against the Washington Commanders on December 22 and was forced to sit out the Eagles’ final two games of the regular season.

“You go through a routine every day and it’s a challenge to get out of it,” Hurts said. “And obviously it’s not fun dealing with different symptoms either.” I’m grateful to the referees and everyone did what they were supposed to do (in the Commanders game). You made the right decision at that moment (getting me tested). For that I am grateful and blessed and now I am ready to go.

Hurts said this was the first time he had suffered a concussion.

Hurts, who also played with a broken finger on his non-throwing hand late in the season, had 2,903 passing yards with 18 touchdowns and five interceptions this season. He threw just one interception after the NFC East champion Eagles returned from their Week 5 bye. Thanks to the tush push, Hurts has 14 rushing touchdowns this season.

“We’re always careful with him,” Sirianni said. “He’s our quarterback, so we always want to be careful with him. We always think about his health first and foremost because you never want him not to be on the field. You always want Jalen Hurts to be on the field. You always feel better when Jalen Hurts is on the field. It’s always part of our process and our plan to make sure we try to keep him safe when he’s carrying the football on scheduled runs.

Wide receiver AJ Brown, who had 67 catches for 1,079 yards and seven touchdowns during the regular season, was forced to miss practice and take a break on Thursday because of a knee problem. Sirianni said he had no concerns that Hurts’ production would suffer as a result of the firing or that he would not easily reconnect with Brown.

“They’ve brought together a lot of representatives over the last few weeks,” Sirianni said. “Many, many repetitions together. So that’s not my concern. I just feel like we’re in a good position going into this game.”

Brown wasn’t the only wide receiver to miss time this week. DeVonta Smith missed Friday’s practice due to back strain. However, the Eagles still expect him to play against the Packers.

“Any time guys aren’t there, it really means something,” Hurts said, “but at the end of the day, the trust and confidence you have in whoever is here always remains.”

Hurts was 20 of 34 for 278 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions while leading the Eagles to a 34-29 victory over the Packers in their season opener in Brazil.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.