Out of NFL concussion protocol, Jalen Hurts is ready to roll for the Eagles.
With Hurts cleared, the NFC East champion Eagles (14-3) are close to full strength in the starting lineup for their NFC wild-card game Sunday against Green Bay.
“You always feel better when Jalen Hurts is on the field,’’ Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said Friday.
The Eagles quarterback hasn’t played since he suffered a concussion and left a Dec. 22 game early against Washington. The 26-year-old Hurts returned to practice this week, a sure sign he was healthy enough to make the postseason start. Hurts missed the final two games — where backups Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee led the Eagles to victories — but led the Eagles on a 10-game winning streak before he was injured in a loss to the Commanders.
The Eagles were a 4½-point favorite on Monday to beat the Packers and had 7-1 odds to win the Super Bowl, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. On Friday, the Eagles moved to 5½-point favorites to beat Green Bay.
Hurts said he had never suffered a concussion but added, “I feel great now.’’
The Eagles are a legitimate Super Bowl contender with Hurts in the lineup and should have the upper hand against Green Bay when it comes to healthy quarterbacks. Packers QB Jordan Love said this week his elbow — injured in the regular-season finale — was still sore, and he felt pain when he did some limited throwing in practice.
“It’s fun being around the guys. That’s really the main thing there,’’ Hurts said. “This team, these guys, are a big part of my routine. Just being around them. Taking ball. It’s been a great week.’’
Unanimous All-Pros
Lamar Jackson beat out Josh Allen, and Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson are unanimous choices for The Associated Press 2024 NFL All-Pro Team.
Saquon Barkley received 48 of 50 first-place votes, with the Ravens’ Derrick Henry getting the others,and Patrick Surtain II got 49 from a nationwide panel of media members who regularly cover the league.
Jackson received 30 first-place votes to Allen’s 18, making the team for the second straight year and third overall. Linebacker Roquan Smith, slot cornerback Marlon Humphrey, and fullback Patrick Ricard joined Jackson from the Ravens (12-5).
The NFC-leading Lions (15-2) had four players selected: wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, right tackle Penei Sewell, safety Kerby Joseph, and punter Jack Fox.
“They know what’s up,’’ said Joseph, who led the NFL with nine interceptions but was snubbed from the Pro Bowl.
Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett and 49ers linebacker Fred Warner were each chosen for the fourth time.
Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs became the first player selected at both tackle spots. He made it at right tackle in 2021, then switched positions in 2023.
Fourteen players are first-timers, including Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers. He got 27 first-place votes to George Kittle’s 22.
The Patriots’ Brenden Schooler is among the special teams picks.
Jets interview pair
The Jets interviewed Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, 65, and Maryland coach Mike Locksley, 55, for their head coach vacancy.
The team also spoke to Tampa Bay assistant general manager Mike Greenberg about its GM opening.
Spagnuolo and Locksley increased the Jets’ ever-growing list of head coach candidates to seven, joining Mike Vrabel, Ron Rivera, Rex Ryan, Matt Nagy, and Aaron Glenn.
Watson retears ACL
Deshaun Watson may miss the entire 2025 season after Cleveland’s polarizing quarterback ruptured his Achilles’ tendon for the second time in three months and underwent another operation that could put his career in jeopardy.
The setback could end Watson’s unsteady stay with the Browns, who believed they had ended their decades-long search for a franchise quarterback when they signed the former Pro Bowler to a historic $230 million contract.
The Browns said in a statement Watson felt discomfort in his leg after “rolling’’ his ankle while in Miami. He informed the team during a season-ending exit interview on Sunday. An MRI revealed a re-rupture and he had surgery on Thursday.
Watson has played in just 19 games in three seasons with Cleveland due to an NFL suspension and injuries. The team didn’t provide a specific timetable for his recovery, saying only that he will miss “significant time’’ in 2025.
The Browns still owe him $92 million after signing him to a fully guaranteed contract.