In Landover, Maryland, Jalen Hurts, the Eagles’ quarterback, was pulled from the game during the first quarter for a concussion evaluation following a hit from Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu. Although Hurts initially resisted leaving the field, he ultimately complied. After a trip to the medical tent and demonstrating readiness to return, he did not re-enter the game and was subsequently ruled out.
Kenny Pickett stepped in for Hurts and completed a touchdown pass to A.J. Brown, extending the Eagles’ lead to 14-0. This marked Hurts’ first extended absence this season due to injury. Running back Will Shipley was also evaluated for a concussion shortly after Hurts was ruled out.
The Eagles experienced further injury woes as edge rusher Josh Sweat and defensive tackle Jordan Davis faced their issues. Sweat left the field with an ankle injury but returned by the end of the second quarter, while Davis temporarily exited with a leg issue but was able to start in the second half.
This game was reminiscent of the previous encounter against Washington where Hurts was involved in a similar situation, yet managed to continue playing without an injury timeout. The inability to have Hurts finish the game raises concerns, especially since he has been dealing with a broken left finger earlier in the season.
It’s vital for the Eagles to monitor their players’ health closely, especially as they navigate the rigors of the season. Ensuring that key players like Hurts take the necessary time to recover could be crucial for their performance in the upcoming games.
Despite some setbacks, the team’s ability to adapt, as demonstrated by Pickett stepping up and completing a successful drive, provides a source of hope for fans looking toward the future of the season. The resilience of the remaining team members could be pivotal in maintaining momentum during this challenging period.