Jalen Hurts’ Injury Raises Speculations

NFL Network analyst Michael Robinson believes there might be more beneath the surface regarding Jalen Hurts’ injury.

While discussing this on “NFL Gameday Kickoff” recently, Robinson, who has a background as a Pro Bowl fullback, suggested that the Eagles could be leveraging Hurts’ injury as a strategy to transition away from him as their quarterback.

“They might be incentivized to head into the draft and look for a new quarterback,” he remarked, pointing to the number of draft picks Philadelphia has acquired for 2027-28 through recent trades.

Even though Hurts has had a remarkable tenure with the Eagles, his performance has started off shaky this season under the new offensive coordinator, Sean Mannion. Considering his contract is set to expire after the 2028 season, Robinson speculated that the organization could be discreetly planning to move on from the three-time Pro Bowler.

“It seemed like they were attempting to attribute the results of this season to Jalen Hurts as a way to excuse moving on later,” Robinson elaborated. “And I’m not trying to spread rumors, but just hypothetically, if I were in Hurts’ shoes—or even in his camp, honestly—I might be thinking, ‘Well, if everyone is injured, I guess I’m injured, too.’”

He concluded, “It appears that Jalen is trying to remove himself from the mess so that this lost season isn’t seen as a failure on his part.”

Hurts, now 28, has been sidelined recently due to a blood clot in his calf, an injury the team became aware of following their loss to the Rams on October 4.

The Eagles have not set a timeline for his return, nor have they indicated any suspicion surrounding the injury.

Medical professionals have commented that the blood clot might keep Hurts out for at least 45 days, depending on how treatment progresses.

Dr. Jordan Schaefer, a hematologist affiliated with the University of Michigan, shared insights into the treatment process, saying, “Often, it’s about closely monitoring patients over time. This can’t just be a single visit; it usually entails regular evaluations to see how symptoms are evolving.”

During Hurts’ absence, it’s anticipated that Tanner McKee will take the starting role, with rookie Cole Payton stepping into the backup position. Additionally, the Eagles have signed Joe Milton from the Cowboys’ practice squad, further bolstering their quarterback options.