Top MVP Candidate Jalen Hurts Could Miss Time
The Philadelphia Eagles are off to their best start in franchise history at 13-1. Their latest win against the Bears might have come at a cost. Quarterback Jalen Hurts was injured in the third quarter and was determined to have a sprained shoulder. Philly’s quarterback was in the middle of an MVP-like campaign and could miss the remainder of the regular season.
How Did The Injury Happen
Jalen Hurts was injured in the third quarter of the Eagles’ 25-20 victory over the Bears. He scrambled out of the pocket and ran for a three-yard gain when DE Trevis Gipson landed on top of him for the tackle. Hurts was in noticeable pain but stayed in for the rest of the game.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted on Monday, 12/19/22, that Hurts’ status is uncertain for Saturday’s game against the Cowboys. It does not appear that the injury is serious, but something to watch.
There is a real chance the #Eagles start QB Gardner Minshew this weekend. MVP candidate Jalen Hurts’ status is in doubt because of a sprained throwing shoulder, per me, @TomPelissero and @MikeGarafolo. pic.twitter.com/vjtpGaqAK1 — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 19, 2022
What Does This Mean For The Eagles?
The Eagles are currently 13-1 and have already clinched a playoff spot. Their magic number to secure the number one seed in the NFC and homefield advantage in the playoffs is just one game. Philadelphia needs at least one more win or have both Dallas and Minnesota slip up one more time each. With three games to go, this is very doable for the Eagles, but it will be more difficult without Jalen Hurts.
The Christmas Eve matchup in Dallas is next up for the Eagles. The Cowboys have gone from one-point favorites to six-point favorites with the news of Hurts’ status. The MVP betting odds have also shifted dramatically. Jalen Hurts went from +130 to win the award to plus +300. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is now the MVP favorite again.
If Jalen Hurts does indeed miss Saturday’s game, look for Gardner Minshew to start. The former Jacksonville Jaguar is 1-1 as a starter for the Eagles. He threw for 439 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in his two starts in 2021. Minshew is a serviceable starter for the Eagles as they look to lock up the number one seed. The Eagles will face the Saints and Giants in the final two weeks of the season.
In Conclusion
It does not appear that Jalen Hurts’ injury will keep him sidelined for an extended period of time, but it is a concern. It’s also disappointing that he may not be able to finish the regular season, which will likely take him out of the MVP conversation. Hurts does not have the highest passing numbers in the league but has a combined 35 passing and rushing touchdowns compared to just five interceptions.
As for the Eagles, their goal is winning the Lombardi Trophy. If Hurts can take time to heal and get back to his dominant form, the sky is the limit for this team.
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