Who is the Eagles’ backup quarterback? Jalen Hurts questionable for Monday Night Football
While the Eagles’ ticket to the postseason has already been booked, that their starting QB is now questionable is not good news. So, who replaces him?
There’s been no official word on whether the Eagles’ star will play, but the fact that he’s traveled separately from the team to Seattle suggests something is amiss. Should he be unable to take the field it will undoubtedly be a blow, but at least the team can turn to an experienced player.
What’s going on with Jalen Hurts?
According to reports, the Philadelphia Eagles have downgraded starting quarterback Jalen Hurts to questionable ahead of Monday night’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. The news comes following reports that the 25-year-old’s sickness worsened overnight. With that said, it’s understood that Hurts is still hopeful of playing. What also works in his favor is the fact that their clash with the Seahawks was flexed into “Monday Night Football” as opposed to the originally schedule game between the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots. Naturally, that extra day is something that the Eagles will be hoping can be of benefit to their star signal caller.
To be clear, Hurts did not practice on Saturday and until Sunday morning did not have an official injury designation. It’s also worth noting that as stellar as he has been over the last few seasons, he has had his share of downtime due to injuries. You may recall the two games he missed in 2022 due to a sprained shoulder. There was also a high ankle sprain that cost him a game in 2021, and as recently as Week 6′s 31-17 win over the Miami Dolphins he was seen wearing a leg brace in the second half, something that he quickly responded to when asked postgame by reporters, saying he would be “fine.” Big picture-wise, the Eagles are 10-3 and will face a Seahawks team that is 6-7, lost the last four straight, and desperate for a win. Add to that the idea that their own starter, Geno Smith, is not guaranteed to take the field and you get the idea.
OK, so who replaces Jalen Hurts if he can’t play?
That would almost certainly be backup quarterback Marcus Mariota. At 30 years old the former No. 2 overall pick can be considered a veteran but rest assured there is a lot left in his tank. Yes, it’s true that he struggled in 2022 as the starting signal caller for the Atlanta Falcons, throwing for 2,219 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while completing 61.3% of his passes.
That the Falcons finished 5-8 in that time didn’t help either, but his 438 rushing yards which produced TDs were worth noting. Ultimately, the Eagles are in safe hands should Hurts not be able to play, however, their hopes of securing the NFC East title and top overall seed in the playoffs may have just taken a hit.