Jalen Hurts is looking good and trending in the right direction to suit up for Sunday’s NFC Championship game against the Washington Commanders. After dealing with a knee injury, the 26-year-old quarterback participated fully in Thursday’s practice, according to the Eagles’ injury report. This marks a significant step forward for Hurts, as Thursday was the team’s first practice of the week, and his upgrade from a limited participant on Wednesday is a positive sign.
It's worth noting that Wednesday's injury report was an estimation, as the Eagles held a walk-through instead of a full practice. Despite his limited status on that report, Hurts was quick to reassure fans that he’s on track to play against the Commanders. His confidence and leadership are key components for the Eagles as they prepare for this high-stakes match.
But Hurts isn’t the only Eagle on the mend. Rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, who’s been dealing with a shoulder issue, also received an upgrade and was a full participant in Thursday's practice. Mitchell echoed Hurts' optimism on Wednesday, confirming that he will be ready to go this Sunday. His return will add another layer of depth to the defense as the Eagles brace for the Commanders.
However, not all the Eagles were able to hit the practice field. Dallas Goedert, the tight end recovering from an ankle injury, and Cam Jurgens, the offensive lineman battling a back issue, were both absent from Thursday's session. Goedert was seen watching practice from the sideline at Lincoln Financial Field, while Jurgens was completely absent. Both had been listed as non-participants on Wednesday’s injury estimate as well.
With Jurgens sidelined, Landon Dickerson stepped in at center during individual drills. Dickerson, who’s normally stationed at left guard, took on the role in the portion of practice open to the media. Meanwhile, Tyler Steen, the second-year offensive lineman, slid into Dickerson’s usual spot at left guard, showcasing the team’s ability to adapt on the fly. This versatility will be crucial if Jurgens can’t go on Sunday.
When asked about Jurgens' status for the game, head coach Nick Sirianni offered a cautious approach, saying, "We’ll see where he is. It’s hard to predict these things this far out." However, Dickerson was more optimistic, stating that he expects Jurgens to play against the Commanders. "I mean, yeah," Dickerson said confidently. "I do. But I’m not a medical guy. I don’t know exactly what ... y’all can ask Sirianni or [the] trainers. I don’t know exactly. As far as I’m concerned, I think he is."
In case Jurgens can’t play, the Eagles have a backup plan. Dickerson, who played center for two seasons at Alabama, is more than capable of stepping in. He’s had experience in the role, having taken snaps at center during Week 4 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when Jurgens left the game due to cramps. "It’s like riding a bike," Dickerson said with a grin. "You go in, get a few snaps, knock the rust off, and then, hey, you’re usually good to go."
Landon Dickerson’s confidence is infectious, and his versatility gives the Eagles an edge if they need to adjust on Sunday. Plus, with Dickerson's experience at center, the team won’t miss a beat, even if Jurgens isn't ready to go.
On the other hand, Tyler Steen is another reliable backup who’s familiar with the starting duties. The third-round pick out of Alabama has already stepped in this season and filled in at guard. Although most of his time has been spent at right guard, Steen’s experience proves valuable, especially considering his time in Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he started in place of an injured Mekhi Becton. Over the course of the season, Steen played 27% of the offensive snaps, demonstrating that he’s ready for any challenge.
Steen’s experience filling in at guard this season has given him the confidence to perform under pressure. "I think it’s a little harder to do it during the game instead of getting the week of preparation, just getting some reps in there," Steen shared. "So I think just doing that kind of makes it a little easier. I think that we’ve been preparing the same way throughout the whole year, so I wouldn’t say it being a different time of the year makes it harder. Just preparing the same way."
Jurgens, for his part, has been a consistent presence on the offensive line this season and hasn’t missed a game due to injury so far. While he didn’t play in the regular-season finale against the Giants (resting for the playoffs), he was a key contributor earlier in the year when the Eagles were dealing with injuries to other players. In 2023, Jurgens spent some time on injured reserve due to foot and pectoral issues, but he’s bounced back strong and hasn’t missed a game this season due to injury.
While the absence of Goedert and Jurgens is certainly a concern, it’s encouraging to see the depth of the Eagles’ roster. The next-man-up mentality is alive and well, with versatile players like Dickerson and Steen ready to step into critical roles. With Hurts leading the charge and key defensive players like Mitchell stepping up, the Eagles are poised to make a deep playoff run.
As for the rest of the injury report, a few other notable players are trending in the right direction. A.J. Brown, Lane Johnson, and Josh Sweat were all upgraded from limited participants to full participants in Thursday’s practice. These upgrades should ease any concerns about their availability for Sunday’s game, as the Eagles continue to get healthier at the perfect time.
Brown, who’s been dealing with knee issues, Lane Johnson, who had been resting due to knee concerns, and Josh Sweat, who’s been battling an ankle injury, all seem to be on track for Sunday’s big game. Their return to full practice is a positive sign that they’ll be ready to contribute in a major way when it counts.
Meanwhile, Britain Covey, the wide receiver whose 21-day practice window opened on Wednesday, was listed as a limited participant for the second consecutive day. His involvement will likely depend on his progress in the coming days, but his presence could provide some added depth for the offense if he's fully cleared to play.
One final note on the injury front: Fred Johnson, the depth tackle for the Eagles, missed Thursday’s practice due to a personal matter. His absence was unrelated to any injury concerns, but it’s a situation worth monitoring as the team prepares for Sunday.
In conclusion, the Eagles are managing a number of injuries heading into Sunday’s NFC Championship game, but the team’s depth and versatility are shining through. With Hurts on track to play and key players like Mitchell, Dickerson, and Steen stepping up, the Eagles are looking strong as they prepare for their high-stakes showdown with the Washington Commanders. Fans should be excited to see how this resilient team rallies together, even in the face of adversity. The road to the Super Bowl is on the line, and the Eagles are ready to take the next step.
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