Jalen Hurts Questionable, Five Others Ruled out for Giants Game

The Eagles QB has steadily progressed from a sprain in his throwing shoulder that sidelined him the past two games

PHILADELPHIA – Each week has brought progress for Jalen Hurts and his sprained throwing shoulder on the Eagles’ Friday injury report.

Two weeks ago, he was ruled out against the Cowboys.

Last week, he was listed as doubtful and didn’t play against the Saints.

This week, the MVP-candidate quarterback is listed as questionable for Sunday’s regular-season finale against the New York Giants (4:25 p.m./CBS).

Five other Eagles were ruled out – Lane Johnson (groin), Josh Sweat (neck), Avonte Maddox (toe), Shaun Bradley (wrist), and Janarius Robinson (ankle).

The Eagles need at least one opening on the 53-man roster for punter and holder Brett Kern, who is out of practice squad elevations.

They could possibly need at least one more and maybe two depending on whether or not they activate safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and defensive end Robert Quinn from injured reserve.

Gardner-Johnson declined to talk to reporters all week while Quinn said he wasn’t sure what the plans was for him.

The Eagles may feel they need Quinn to take some reps now available without Sweat and as they try to manage the snaps Brandon Graham gets. Graham had a season-high 51 when Sweat went out but responded with two sacks to reach 11 for the season, and his first time in double figures.

It’s possible that Bradley and Robinson end up on IR to open at least two spots.

As for Hurts, you can read into it whatever you like, but it sure sounded like Gardner Minshew came close to spilling the beans on who the Eagles’ starting quarterback will be.

Asked how he thought Hurts looked, Minshew said: “He looks great, man. He’s a freak. He’s right back to where he needs to be and I’m excited to, you know, see him whatever happens moving forward.”

The Eagles could use Hurts since a win locks up the No. 1 seed. A loss and it’s possible Philly could fall to the No. 5 seed. They are 13-1 with him starting this season.

The Giants (9-6-1) are already in the playoffs and locked into the No. 6 seed.

The Eagles (13-3) lost both games with Minshew at quarterback, and he seemed somewhat despondent on Friday talking to reporters at his locker.

“When you play two games and one of them’s bad that’s not very good,” he said. “If you play a bunch of games and one of them’s bad, it’s OK. Good or bad, it’s all learning experiences and I’m grateful for the opportunity to get out there and get better. I just wish I could help the team win a little bit more.”

Earlier in the day, head coach Nick Sirianni said Hurts was “trending in the right direction.”

READ MORE: Jalen Hurts "Trending in Right Direction"

Ed Kracz is the publisher of SI.com’s Fan Nation Eagles Today and co-host of the Eagles Unfiltered Podcast. Check out the latest Eagles news at www.SI.com/NFL/Eagles or www.eaglesmaven.com and please follow him on Twitter: @kracze.