Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore did not sound like a coach concerned he could be entering the playoffs without his starting quarterback.
Jalen Hurts, in concussion protocol since suffering a head injury Dec. 22 against the Washington Commanders, might be ready to return to practice on Wednesday with a full week of preparation for the postseason rematch with the Green Bay Packers in Philadelphia on Sunday.
Head coach Nick Sirianni was less forthcoming on Monday about the QB depth chart. But Moore said Tuesday that he’s in close communication with Hurts and he has no concern about rust when he gets back on the field.
Because the Eagles had no scheduled practice Monday or Tuesday, the next update on Hurts’ status would come Wednesday with the first practice and injury report of the postseason.
Moore also downplayed any distraction that might arise because of head-coaching interviews with the New Orleans Saints and Jacksonville Jaguars, who submitted formal requests to talk to the Eagles’ first-year coordinator.
“Really, the focus is on the week,” Moore said. “Those things take care of themselves. Obviously, those things only come to teams that usually tend to have success and are doing things well on the field. That’s where your focus is.”
Hurts was a nonparticipant on the injury and practice report last week, but likely would’ve been held out for the regular-season finale even if healthy. Running back Saquon Barkley, wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith and offensive linemen Landon Dickerson, Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata were all inactive last week.
Hurts completed 20 of 34 passes for 278 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in the Eagles’ Week 1 win over the Packers in Brazil.
Sirianni would not confirm whether Hurts was at the team facility or able to participate in meetings or film study during the team media session on Monday.
Tanner McKee started the Week 18 win over the New York Giants. Sirianni wouldn’t declare his depth chart at the position or give into questions about whether McKee might’ve moved ahead of Kenny Pickett as the QB2 in Philadelphia.
“We have a lot of confidence in both guys,” he said.
McKee completed 27 of 41 passes for 269 yards with two touchdowns and zero turnovers against the Giants.
The Eagles waived quarterback Ian Book on Tuesday. He signed with the practice squad on Dec. 26 following the injuries to Hurts and Pickett (ribs) but did not appear in any games.
–Field Level Media
