Jalen Hurts Dilemma: Balancing Risk and Reward in the Eagles’ Offense
In Philadelphia, the Eagles find themselves navigating a delicate balance when it comes to their star quarterback, Jalen Hurts. His mobility has long been a pivotal asset, yet the very trait that makes him such a formidable threat on the field also puts him at a heightened risk of injury. While any quarterback can sustain injuries in the pocket, Hurts’ more frequent mishaps have typically occurred while he’s on the run.
Injury Concerns Amidst Offensive Struggles
As the season progresses, murmurs have emerged from the fan base suggesting that Hurts’ decreased rushing attempts may be contributing to the team’s lackluster offensive performance. His head coach, Nick Sirianni, addressed these concerns, emphasizing the fine line they must walk to safeguard Hurts’ long-term health. “We’re always thinking about how to protect Jalen and make sure that he is healthy for the long haul,” Sirianni explained. “Different plans have different reasons of why you run different things. Jalen’s talented in running the football, but he is also skilled at holding back when necessary. There are many ways to utilize his talents, and we’re constantly looking for ways to improve.”
With just five games remaining in the season, Hurts has recorded only 84 rushing attempts for 321 yards, figures that are shaping up to be his lowest since 2021, his first full season as the Eagles’ starting quarterback. In that year, he logged 139 carries for 784 yards. Last season, he increased his workload with 150 runs for 620 yards.
When asked about his current role and the reduced frequency of his runs, Hurts remained open-minded, stating, “I’m always open to whatever it takes to win. Just go out there and execute it as called and go play the game. Whatever works.”
A History of Injuries
Throughout his career, Hurts has had his share of injuries, particularly late in the season, which have sidelined him for games. Notable instances include a sprained shoulder sustained during a run in Chicago in Week 15 of 2022 and a concussion from a hard hit by the Commanders’ Frankie Luvu in Week 16 of the same year. Despite these setbacks, Hurts rebounded admirably, leading the Eagles through the playoffs, including an MVP performance in Super Bowl LIX.
In addition to shoulder and concussion issues, Hurts has faced knee problems, a high ankle sprain, and a dislocated finger across various seasons. Sirianni highlighted the need for strategic planning when it comes to Hurts’ rushing attempts, stating, “You’re always thinking first about what the players do well, especially with your quarterback. Even within quarterback runs, some are designed to be a bit safer than others. But every snap carries a risk, whether it’s a drop back or a designed run.”
The Evolution of a Quarterback
As Hurts approaches his 27th birthday, there’s an understanding that the explosive legs that once evaded defenders may not last forever. The NFL continues to evolve, with younger talent consistently entering the league. This raises questions about the sustainability of relying heavily on Hurts’ rushing ability as the season wears on.
While Sirianni acknowledged that he doesn’t want to see Hurts with 15 design runs in a game, he remains committed to exploring all options. “We’re looking at everything, and we’ll see how that looks going forward,” he said, hinting at a careful reevaluation of Hurts’ role in both the run and pass game as the Eagles push toward the playoffs.
As the Eagles weigh the risks and rewards of Hurts’ running game, the decisions made in the coming weeks will be critical—not just for the immediate success of the offense, but for the long-term health of their franchise quarterback.
