Jalen Hurts listed as doubtful versus Saints on Week 17 status report

Well, this shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. The Philadelphia Eagles are prioritizing Jalen Hurts‘ safety as Week 17’s game versus the New Orleans Saints looms. Friday’s injury report came a little earlier than we’re used to seeing, at a little before 4 p.m. EST to be exact, but we have an update on QB1’s status.

He’s been listed as doubtful. Conventional thinking would suggest that means for the second time in as many weeks, Gardner Minshew will be given the nod as Philly’s starting quarterback.

Here are a few other injury updates in addition to the Eagles’ announcement about Jalen Hurts.

Six other Eagles appeared on Friday’s injury report other than Jalen. They are as follows.

• Lane Johnson, tackle
• Avonte Maddox, cornerback
• A.J. Brown, wide receiver
• Jordan Davis, concussion
• Linval Joseph, illness
• Miles Sanders, knee

Lane Johnson and Avonte Maddox being listed as non-participants isn’t a surprise. The former is dealing with a ruptured tendon in his abdomen. The latter continues to work his way back from a toe injury.

A.J. Brown (knee), Miles Sanders (knee), Linval Joseph (illness), and Jordan Davis (concussion) were all full participants during Friday’s session. That’s a good sign, especially in the case of the latter.

Head injuries must always be taken seriously, and Davis’ participation on Friday probably means he has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and will be able to play on Sunday. No one expects that Jalen Hurts will give up on trying to get himself cleared to play in Week 17, but for now, it appears that Gardner Minshew will lead the Eagles on offense.

They’re in good hands if he does. We believe he’s good enough to deliver a victory in relief.