The phrase “this ain’t ballet” comes to mind whenever you see or hear of an injury in the NFL. Unfortunately, the injury bug has hit the Philadelphia Eagles in the form of Jalen Hurts‘ superficial blood clot. As a resident New York Giants fan, I still hate to see Hurts go down. He’s one of us.
After being “cleated” in last week’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the former Super Bowl MVP complained to the Eagles’ medical staff about calf pain. The Eagles said that, “out of an abundance of caution,” they performed an ultrasound on the area of pain. The ultrasound found a blood clot, which caused Hurts to miss this week’s match-up in London against the Carolina Panthers.
It has been reported that the Eagles staff knew of this ailment before the Eagles’ trip across the pond. If so, there certainly is some negligence involved in putting Hurts at risk, having a blood clot, and getting on a flight. Future contract extension implications do exist. But Hurts’ health is paramount right now.
Currently, the Eagles sit at 2-3 for the season. It’s been a tale of two seasons so far: the Eagles started with a two-game winning streak. Since then, they’ve been on a three-game schneid. One could think that this injury couldn’t come at a worse time. Even though the Eagles are my rivals, I actually see things differently. I much rather have injuries happen earlier in the season rather than late. With only week six and 11 weeks left, the Eagles may not be in any peril. As of now, reports say Hurts will only miss week six.
As an eternal optimist, I think that with a week off, the Eagles’ franchise player could be back for week 7. In fact, I’m pretty sure that’s his goal, if he has anything to do with it. It allows Hurts to rest and heal for almost two weeks. As for week nine? Well, the Eagles land in the Meadowlands to face Big Blue! As the competitor that I am, I want to play the birds at their best; it helps for all of the bragging rights. I want no caveats. I want to beat the Hurts-led Philadelphia Eagles on our field! So I want Hurts suited up and taking the field.
As division rivals, we need a win over these guys. Thus far, with Jameis Winston at the helm, the Giants are 3-1-1. With their starting quarterback, Jaxon Dart, hurt for the season, we’ve experienced a bit more ease than the Eagles thus far.
This record is so much better than where we were a year ago. But I still root for Hurts the person. I root for his recovery because, in a league like the NFL, very few players have the physical and mental deftness he has on and off the field. He’s a great example of how we succeed in the league. If for no other reason, we need to wish Hurts the best on that front alone.
My message for Eagles fans is simple: Get ready for week seven, because your MVP is. Hurts will be back, prepped and focused. He wouldn’t dare take the field if he couldn’t go full throttle. So when he does, make sure you all keep those Eagles flying….that’s of course until you guys pull up into MetLife Stadium.