There have been many questions about when Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will be released from concussion protocol and when he will return to practice for Sunday's wild-card game against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field. A move the Eagles made Tuesday afternoon suggests he could be returning soon.
The Eagles waived quarterback Ian Book, who was signed to the practice squad before their Week 17 game against the Dallas Cowboys. Book was eventually added to the active roster and served as the emergency quarterback behind Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee. When Pickett was ruled out for the regular-season finale against the Giants, McKee started, and Book became his backup but never entered the game. The Eagles could re-sign Book to the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Hurts left in the first quarter of the Eagles' loss to the Washington Commanders with a concussion, allowing Pickett to finish the game. Hurts has been in protocol since, missing the final two regular-season games. To be released from protocol, an independent neurologist must clear him to play.
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Hurts' return will be crucial for Sunday's game in two key areas. First, his presence could lead to more deep-ball opportunities against the Packers' secondary, especially with cornerback Jaire Alexander ruled out for the playoffs. The Packers enter the postseason ranked 13th in pass defense, allowing 215.2 yards per game.
Second, Hurts' return would bolster the run game. In his absence, defenses have stacked the box to stop running back Saquon Barkley, forcing Pickett and McKee to try to win through the air. Hurts' return forces defenses to adjust, removing at least one player from the box and requiring edge rushers to stay disciplined to account for his potential runs on zone reads. The biggest question is whether Hurts will appear rusty after the layoff. The Eagles have a practice scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, which will provide the first opportunity to gauge his readiness.