X-rays confirm that Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts has a sprained shoulder. He landed awkwardly on his shoulder late in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears and his status is uncertain for the Dallas Cowboys game on Christmas Eve.
It may be up to Gardner Minshew to win the NFC East for the Eagles.
Minshew has played sparingly this year. His job has been to run out the clock while protecting the lead in blowout victories.
Before coming to Philadelphia, Minshew threw for over 5,500 yards and 37 touchdowns in 23 games for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Minshew Mania ran wild in Duval County, for a little while. He eventually lost his starting job to Nick Foles and came to Philadelphia via trade in 2021.
Minshew started two games for the Eagles last year, against the New York Jets and against the Cowboys in the season finale.
In a win against the Jets he had two touchdowns, 242 yards and a 133.7 quarterback rating. Minshew also had two touchdowns against the Cowboys in a 51-26 loss.
Philadelphia was fighting for the sixth or seventh seed last season. The stakes are much higher now.
The division, conference and league championships are all within reach, as long as Hurts is healthy for the playoffs.