Under no circumstances should Jalen Hurts take the field this Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. The risks far outweigh any potential rewards. Let’s break it down step by step, highlighting the key points and reasoning why Hurts’ long-term health must take precedence.
First and foremost, Hurts suffered the first concussion of his five-year NFL career during Sunday’s game against Washington. Currently in concussion protocol, his status remains uncertain and likely won’t be clarified until Friday evening. However, the decision to sideline him should be a no-brainer regardless of his clearance status.
The Eagles’ Position and the Bigger Picture
At 12-3, the Eagles are in an enviable position. They’ve already clinched a playoff berth, and their path to securing the NFC East title and the No. 2 overall seed is straightforward: one win in their final two games or a single loss by the Commanders achieves that goal. In this scenario, they’ll enjoy home-field advantage for at least the first two rounds of the playoffs. Even if the unthinkable happens and they drop to a wild-card spot, Hurts’ health is far more critical than holding home-field advantage.
Right tackle Lane Johnson, who missed a game earlier this season due to a concussion, echoes this sentiment. “It’s crossed our mind,” Johnson shared, referencing the team’s focus on winning one of the last two games. Still, caution should triumph over ambition. Why risk a franchise quarterback’s health when the stakes are comparatively low?
Medical Evidence and Recovery Timeline
Even if Hurts is medically cleared to play, research shows that athletes recovering from a concussion are at a significantly higher risk of a second concussion within a short window. The standard recovery period to reduce this risk is at least 10 days. Why gamble with such a high-stakes asset? Hurts might play Sunday, lead the Eagles to victory, and come out unscathed—but the potential consequences of rushing his return are severe.
The medical and statistical case for resting Hurts is clear. In fact, the likelihood of the Eagles winning without him is still better than 50-50. Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett, while underwhelming in relief against Washington, holds a respectable 14-10 record as an NFL starter. Additionally, the Eagles face the Giants in their season finale, a team currently on a 10-game losing streak and seemingly intent on securing the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With Hurts healthy and back in action, the Eagles would have an overwhelming advantage in that game if it becomes a must-win.
The Micah Parsons Factor
Now, let’s add a little spice to the narrative. Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons is a wrecking ball on defense. Dallas has amassed 22 sacks in their last five games, and Parsons alone accounted for two of the five sacks against Hurts in their Week 10 matchup. Parsons’ disdain for Philadelphia is well-documented. “At this point, it’s [expletive] Philly,” he said last week. “Even if we got eliminated, I got to crush Philly. [Expletive] them. I hate them now.”
The last thing the Eagles need is to expose a post-concussion Hurts to a fired-up Parsons, who would undoubtedly relish the opportunity to inflict damage. The Cowboys’ defense is firing on all cylinders, and the risk of further injury to Hurts in such a volatile environment is simply too great.
A History of Hard Lessons
Eagles fans and management alike should remember the hard lessons of the past. Last season, Hurts and wide receiver A.J. Brown suffered injuries during what turned out to be a meaningless finale. Hurts played hampered, and Brown was unavailable for the subsequent playoff game, resulting in a loss to Tampa Bay. History doesn’t need to repeat itself.
It’s worth noting that NFL concussion protocols, while improved, still leave much to be desired. The horrifying events surrounding Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in 2022 serve as a sobering reminder. The NFL’s track record on player safety is spotty at best, and it’s ultimately up to teams to prioritize their players’ well-being. With Hurts representing a $255 million investment, the Eagles cannot afford to be reckless.
The Broader Perspective
The science of concussion recovery supports erring on the side of caution. Immediate removal from play after a head injury is crucial for a fast recovery. Hurts displayed encouraging signs—he didn’t lose consciousness, appeared sharp in the locker room, and even tried to re-enter Sunday’s game—but those moments don’t negate the importance of giving him adequate time to heal. The specter of second-impact syndrome, a rare but catastrophic consequence of repeated head trauma, looms large in these situations.
Let’s Be Practical
From a purely practical standpoint, resting Hurts is the smartest move. If the Eagles lose to the Cowboys, they still have an excellent shot at beating the Giants with a fully healthy Hurts. Meanwhile, the Commanders’ chances of winning both their remaining games are far from guaranteed. The numbers favor the Eagles, even if they play it safe this weekend.
As someone who has covered the NFL for 34 years, I’ve seen the brutal reality of the sport up close. The toll it takes on players is sobering, and the responsibility to protect them shouldn’t be taken lightly. The Eagles have everything to gain by taking the cautious route and ensuring that Hurts is ready for the games that matter most.
The Bottom Line
Jalen Hurts is the heart and soul of the Eagles’ offense, but his health must come first. With playoff positioning nearly secured and plenty of variables working in their favor, the Eagles have no reason to gamble on their franchise quarterback. Sit Hurts this Sunday, let him recover fully, and gear up for a playoff run with a healthy and ready-to-dominate leader. It’s the only decision that makes sense.
Login