Does Eagles' Jalen Hurts Have A Concussion Ahead of Dallas Cowboys Showdown?
FRISCO - At the end of the third quarter Sunday in NFL Week 13, Philadelphia Eagles MVP quarterback Jalen Hurts was required to spent some time in the blue medical tent on the sideline ... and then was required to trot back to the locker room so he could be evaluated for a concussion.
Shortly thereafter, after a brief moment with Eagles No. 1 QB Marcus Mariota taking a turn, Hurts was thankfully ruled to "be OK'' and "cleared to return.''
But as the Eagles attempted to mount a comeback in what would be a crushing 42-19 loss, the No. 1 FOX broadcast team offered a notable perspective on how the Philadelphia offense would likely operate down the stretch.
Greg Olsen informed us that Philly would likely be reluctant to allow Hurts to run with the ball - his greatest strength as a player - "because he just cleared concussion protocol.''
OK. But if Hurts is truly "clear of a concussion,'' why would there be any concern about him playing the way he plays?
Olsen, the long-time NFL tight end, experienced multiple concussions during his career. He's a tough guy, but he's also insightful. And he's honest.
And there is a naked truth exposed by his remark: If Jalen Hurts is "cleared to play,'' he's "cleared to play.'' There is no gray area ... not counting, of course, the gray matter in the brain that the NFL swears it is intent on protecting.
Did a few minutes in the blue tent and a few more minutes in the locker room really make it a medical certainty that Jalen Hurts was - and is - out of concussion-related danger as he and the 10-2 Eagles lick their wounds from the 9-3 Niners and ready for a trip to 9-3 Dallas?
The truth - given that players who sustain concussions one week now wisely rarely play again the following week - will probably never be revealed as nakedly as Greg Olsen's comments are.
