Eagles QB Jalen Hurts clears NFL concussion protocol, "ready to roll" for Packers game
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has cleared the NFL's concussion protocol, putting him in position to start Sunday's NFC wild-card game against the Green Bay Packers, head coach Nick Sirianni said Friday.
Hurts returned to practice Wednesday as a limited participant and was a full participant Thursday and Friday.
Sirianni said Hurts had a "really good" week of practice and is "ready to roll."
"We're always careful with him. He's our quarterback, so we always want to be careful with him," Sirianni said. "We always think about his health first and foremost. Because you never want him not to be on the field. You always want Jalen Hurts on the field. You always feel better when Jalen Hurts is on the field."
Hurts said the most challenging part of being out was the disruption of his daily routine.
"You go through a routine every day, and being out of that is challenging," Hurts said. "Obviously, dealing with different symptoms isn't fun either. I'm great now. I feel ready to go."
Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown returned to practice as a full participant Friday after sitting Thursday. He was also a limited participant Wednesday because of a knee injury.
Sirianni said the Birds were simply giving Brown rest.
"At this stage of the season, [it's] been a long road," Sirianni said. "So, giving him some rest yesterday to make sure he's in the best shape he can be on Sunday."
Sirianni said he isn't worried about Hurts and Brown's lack of practice reps before Sunday's postseason game.
"They've got a lot of reps together," the Eagles' head coach said. "A lot of reps together. So that's not a concern of mine. I just feel like we're in a good spot going into this game.
DeVonta Smith did not practice Friday because of a back injury and rest.
Hurts, Brown and Smith had no game statuses listed on Friday's injury reporting, indicating they're good to go Sunday.
Philadelphia is heading into the playoffs with a different vibe than last season, and the Eagles are crediting Sirianni for the culture change.
The Eagles and Packers kick off at 4:30 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.
