Will Jalen Hurts play in the preseason game against the Patriots?

Tonight, the Eagles take on the Patriots up in Foxborough, Massachusetts, in what is sure to be a closely watched preseason matchup. Now, while preseason games might not have the same weight as those in the regular season, there’s still plenty to be excited about.

The Birds have been in New England for a few days now, sharpening their skills and testing their mettle against the Patriots in joint practices. These sessions are always interesting because they offer a glimpse of the team’s chemistry and grit when they’re up against someone other than their own teammates. You can almost hear the pads popping and the coaches barking instructions as they fine-tune their squads. But for those expecting to see Jalen Hurts out on the field tonight, well, you might want to dial down those hopes.

It looks like Hurts and a good chunk of the starting lineup will be riding the pine once again. Head coach Nick Sirianni has shown a clear preference for keeping his top guns on the sideline during the preseason. And why not? Last year, Hurts didn’t play a single preseason snap, and the Eagles went on to have a fantastic season. So, it’s no surprise that Sirianni is playing it safe, prioritizing the health of his star players over a few extra reps in what is, after all, a glorified tune-up.

Across the league, you’ll find varying philosophies on whether or not to play starters in these games. Some coaches see the value in getting their top players some live-action practice, while others, like Sirianni, lean toward caution. They figure there’s no need to risk an injury when the games don’t count for much in the standings. And when it comes to a player like Hurts, who’s now in his fifth season and has solidified his role as the team’s leader, those preseason snaps become even less crucial.

Now, there is an interesting wrinkle to consider this year with the arrival of new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Moore comes over from the Chargers, where he had a bit of an up-and-down run. Last season, his offense in L.A. was middle of the pack, but with the weapons he has at his disposal in Philly—namely, Hurts, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith—the sky’s the limit. But whether or not that means we’ll see the starters get a few reps tonight remains to be seen.

Earlier this week, the Eagles and Patriots went toe-to-toe in those joint practices, which might be as close as we get to seeing the first-team offense in action until the regular season kicks off. It’s in these practices that the real work happens—starters facing off against quality competition without the full risk of injury. So, while the lights will be bright tonight, don’t be too surprised if Hurts and his fellow stars remain spectators, clipboard in hand.

So, if you’re tuning in tonight, keep an eye on the younger guys, the ones fighting for those final roster spots. They’re the ones with something to prove, and they’ll be laying it all on the line. As for the big names, well, they’ve already proven themselves. Their time will come soon enough when the games start counting for real. Until then, sit back, enjoy the show, and remember—football is back, and that’s always a reason to smile.