Despite claiming he would play against the Jets on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (ankle) will reportedly miss the matchup in the Meadowlands this weekend.
According to longtime Eagles reporter Derrick Gunn, Hurts is “out” for the Week 13 matchup, and Gardner Minshew will start in his place.
UPDATE (7:08 p.m. ET): According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Hurts could still be out for Sunday, but the Eagles will test out his ankle before the matchup against the Jets before making a final decision on his availability.
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Gunn also reports that running back Boston Scott (illness) will be a game-time decision, despite the Eagles having only two healthy running backs on the roster.
The Eagles failed to promote running back Jason Huntley from the practice squad after already ruling out Jordan Howard on Friday. Scott is listed as “questionable,” as is Hurts.
With Hurts out of action, Minshew, a former starter for the Jacksonville Jaguars, will be thrust into the starting lineup with Reid Sinnett as his backup. Minshew started 20 of his 23 career games in Jacksonville over the past two years. While he gained notoriety for his outlandish persona and threw for 5,530 yards, 37 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, the Jaguars went just 7-13 with Minshew as a starter.
Minshew and the Eagles’ offense will still draw an intriguing matchup, as the Jets rank 27th in the NFL in run defense and 29th in pass defense. The Eagles own the league’s top run offense, which should be heavily leaned on with starter Miles Sanders ready to play, despite an ankle injury of his own.
Here are three thoughts on Minshew’s likely start on Sunday:
This is the right move
With Hurts’ mobility potentially diminished due to the ankle injury, playing Minshew in his place is the right decision. Hurts won’t be as effective as a pure pocket passer, and he will continue to take hits if the Eagles choose to stick with consistent run-pass option plays (RPOs) on offense. Minshew has solid pocket mobility and is good at taking what the defense gives him. Against a porous defense, putting Minshew out there to pick them apart is the right call. The Eagles are in a playoff chase, and keeping Hurts healthy for a potential run is important. Minshew was brought to Philadelphia to win a game or two if needed. He can clearly do that against the Jets.
Lean on the rushing attack
The Eagles still have a strong rushing attack, even without Hurts and Howard. The Eagles need to rely on their offensive line to create holes against the Jets, who are putrid at stopping the run. If Minshew is under center, the Eagles should consistently give the ball to Sanders and rookie Kenny Gainwell. With a lack of offensive firepower in the passing game, relying on the ground attack will be essential in controlling the line of scrimmage, the play clock and the scoreboard for the Eagles.
This game shouldn’t impact Hurts’ status
While there have been calls for Minshew throughout the season from fans looking for an improved passing game, Hurts’ spot in the lineup should be safe, even if the backup lights up the Jets. Hurts has flashed potential and been productive enough to regain his job once he’s healthy. The Eagles have a bye next week, and Hurts should be able to rest up for a run against four NFC East opponents in the final month of the season. Minshew is a high-caliber backup with experience. He should be able to lead the offense effectively against a lowly Jets defense. The QB1 job should belong to Hurts, at least for the rest of the year.
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Mike Kaye may be reached at mkaye@njadvancemedia.com.
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