Jalen Hurts finished the game, and the Philadelphia Eagles secured a win, but it’s uncertain how his knee will affect his status for next week’s NFC championship game.
The Eagles quarterback twisted his left knee during the third quarter of Sunday’s 28-22 divisional-round playoff victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Hurts went to the sideline medical tent for treatment, but he returned to the game wearing a knee brace.
After the game, NBC’s Melissa Stark asked Hurts how his knee injury might impact his ability to play in next week’s NFC championship game against the Washington Commanders.
“I’m sure I’ll get asked about it later,” Hurts replied. “I don’t know if I can answer that right now.”
Stark then asked directly: “Are you OK?”
“I finished the game,” Hurts responded.
He did not provide further details about whether or not he was feeling OK.
Hurts didn’t give any more information on his injury during his postgame news conference, but he expressed confidence that he would be ready to play next week.
“Tough game. A challenging game,” Hurts said. “I was able to finish the game, and we’ll see how the week goes.”
At the time of the news conference, no additional information had been provided about his knee injury.
Hurts’ knee injury happened after he was sacked by Rams safety Jaylen McCollough in the third quarter. Both of Hurts’ feet were pinned underneath him during the tackle, and he immediately grabbed at his left knee once he hit the ground.
Hurts got up limping and completed the drive with a handoff to Saquon Barkley before the Eagles kicked a field goal on fourth down.
He spent time in the sideline medical tent during the next Rams possession. When he returned to the field, he had a knee brace on his left leg and was able to continue playing. The Eagles did not update his injury status, and Hurts finished the game, although he appeared to be somewhat limited.
After the game, Hurts walked gingerly down the tunnel to the locker room with a slight limp.
At that point, the specifics of his knee injury were still unclear. Hurts now has a week to recover before next Sunday’s NFC championship game against the Commanders.
