Video circulated Thursday showing Jalen Hurts at Eagles practice moving well and launching footballs on the run. The QB’s recovery from a sprained throwing shoulder apparently is going well, but the team shouldn’t play him Sunday against New Orleans.
Philadelphia (13-2) is a win from clinching homefield advantage throughout the NFC postseason. The idea of wrapping up the conference this week with Hurts and resting him for two weeks — Week 18 and the wild-card round — is enticing.
Desperate New Orleans (6-9) must win out and get help to reach the playoffs. If the Saints are going to make a run, it will be in part due to the team’s front four getting after the quarterback. New Orleans has three first-round picks — Cam Jordan, Marcus Davenport, and Payton Turner — at defensive end. While their production has been spotty, they have the talent to wreak havoc.
New Orleans is tied for ninth in sacks (40), and while Hurts’ mobility makes it harder to bring him down, all it would take is one big hit to send the Eagles’ franchise QB back to the bench. Hurts has been sacked 35 times, the ninth most among QBs this season.
Despite being responsible for three turnovers in Week 16 loss to Dallas, Eagles backup QB Gardner Minshew III operated the offense well enough.
The Eagles should be able to rely on their defense and running game to beat the Saints. New Orleans has an inconsistent offense and its worst rush defense since 2015. That’s a recipe for disaster during a January road game against a strong opponent.
Hurts, an MVP candidate, gives the Eagles their best chance at winning. If he plays, the Eagles will clinch the NFC’s best record.
As big a reward as that is, though, the risk of Hurts reaggravating the shoulder and being limited in the postseason is even bigger.
