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The Philadelphia Eagles will open the preseason against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday evening, but Nick Sirianni isn't ready to reveal whether Jalen Hurts and the starters will play. Asked Monday morning about his plans for the preseason opener, Sirianni offered two familiar words.
“We’ll see,” Sirianni said, according to Olivia Reiner of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Sirianni's response doesn't rule out Hurts playing, but it also shouldn't be interpreted as an indication that Philadelphia's franchise quarterback will take the field. The Eagles will continue evaluating player workloads, injuries, and the quality of practice reps before making a final decision. Sirianni has previously focused on joint practice sessions to give his starters actual game action against opposing units during the preseason.
There is a legitimate argument for allowing Hurts and the starting offense to play one or two series. Sean Mannion is installing a new system, giving Hurts another offensive coordinator and another set of details to master.
Training camp has provided valuable work against Vic Fangio's defense, but live action introduces different challenges. Hurts would have an opportunity to operate the offense with a play clock, handle an unfamiliar defensive look and establish timing with his teammates in a game environment.
The objective wouldn't be to unveil Mannion's entire system or produce a long scoring drive. A short, efficient appearance could give the offense useful work before joint practices and the regular season.
The risks are just as obvious. Lane Johnson recently returned following a four-practice absence and is being reacclimated to football activity. Cam Jurgens has exited consecutive practices early, while DeVonta Smith and rookie Makai Lemon have dealt with hamstring injuries.
Philadelphia has no reason to expose Hurts without its preferred offensive line and receiving group. Saquon Barkley also carries little need for preseason work after years of NFL production.
If the starters sit, the opener will shift attention toward the backup quarterback competition. Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton would receive most of the offensive snaps, allowing the Eagles to evaluate which player should open the season behind Hurts.
Sirianni has time to make his decision, and competitive secrecy offers another reason to avoid an early announcement. For now, Hurts and Philadelphia's starters remain possibilities rather than guarantees.
“We’ll see” may not provide a definitive answer, but it keeps all options open as the Eagles prepare for Baltimore.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Will the Eagles play Jalen Hurts and key starters against the Ravens?
Continue reading...
“We’ll see,” Sirianni said, according to Olivia Reiner of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Sirianni's response doesn't rule out Hurts playing, but it also shouldn't be interpreted as an indication that Philadelphia's franchise quarterback will take the field. The Eagles will continue evaluating player workloads, injuries, and the quality of practice reps before making a final decision. Sirianni has previously focused on joint practice sessions to give his starters actual game action against opposing units during the preseason.
Jalen Hurts could benefit from limited preseason action
There is a legitimate argument for allowing Hurts and the starting offense to play one or two series. Sean Mannion is installing a new system, giving Hurts another offensive coordinator and another set of details to master.
Training camp has provided valuable work against Vic Fangio's defense, but live action introduces different challenges. Hurts would have an opportunity to operate the offense with a play clock, handle an unfamiliar defensive look and establish timing with his teammates in a game environment.
The objective wouldn't be to unveil Mannion's entire system or produce a long scoring drive. A short, efficient appearance could give the offense useful work before joint practices and the regular season.
Eagles have several reasons to protect their starters
The risks are just as obvious. Lane Johnson recently returned following a four-practice absence and is being reacclimated to football activity. Cam Jurgens has exited consecutive practices early, while DeVonta Smith and rookie Makai Lemon have dealt with hamstring injuries.
Philadelphia has no reason to expose Hurts without its preferred offensive line and receiving group. Saquon Barkley also carries little need for preseason work after years of NFL production.
If the starters sit, the opener will shift attention toward the backup quarterback competition. Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton would receive most of the offensive snaps, allowing the Eagles to evaluate which player should open the season behind Hurts.
Sirianni has time to make his decision, and competitive secrecy offers another reason to avoid an early announcement. For now, Hurts and Philadelphia's starters remain possibilities rather than guarantees.
“We’ll see” may not provide a definitive answer, but it keeps all options open as the Eagles prepare for Baltimore.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Will the Eagles play Jalen Hurts and key starters against the Ravens?
Continue reading...
