NFL Analyst Questions Eagles' Handling of Jalen Hurts' Injury

NFL Network analyst Michael Robinson has voiced skepticism regarding the Philadelphia Eagles' approach to quarterback Jalen Hurts' recent injury, suggesting the team might be leveraging the situation to facilitate a potential move away from him.

During an appearance on "NFL Gameday Kickoff," Robinson, a former Pro Bowl fullback, theorized that the Eagles, who possess numerous draft picks in the coming years due to recent trades, could be incentivized to draft a new quarterback.

"It looked like they were trying to pin the outcome of this season on Jalen Hurts just so that they could have an excuse later on to move on from Jalen Hurts," Robinson stated. He speculated that Hurts might be strategically positioning himself to distance himself from a potentially lost season, saying, "if I’m just playing devil’s advocate here… if I’m Jalen Hurts — or anybody in Jalen Hurts’ camp — I’m saying, ‘Well if everybody’s hurt, I’m hurt, too.’ To me, it looked like Jalen is kind of getting himself out of the fray so that this lost season … he’s pulling himself out so that this doesn’t look like it’s on me."

Hurts, 28, was sidelined due to a superficial blood clot in his calf, an injury sustained during the Eagles' Oct. 4 loss to the Rams. The team was aware of the injury at the time of its occurrence. Despite Hurts' seven-year tenure with the Eagles and three Pro Bowl selections, his performance this season has been inconsistent under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. With his contract set to expire after the 2028 season, speculation about the Eagles' long-term plans for the quarterback position has surfaced.

The Eagles have not provided a definitive timeline for Hurts' return, and the organization has not indicated any unusual circumstances surrounding the injury. Medical experts have indicated that a blood clot in the calf could require a recovery period of at least 45 days, contingent upon the treatment plan.

In Hurts' absence, the Eagles are expected to start Tanner McKee at quarterback, with rookie Cole Payton moving into the backup role. The team also reportedly signed Joe Milton from the Cowboys' practice squad on Friday to add depth to the quarterback room.