Eagles QB Jalen Hurts 'trending in right direction' for Sunday

Needing a win to clinch the No. 1 seed in the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles appear likely to have their QB1 back Sunday. Jalen Hurts, out with a shoulder injury since Dec. 18, worked with the first-team offense in Thursday's practice. While he was officially listed as limited, teammates said all signs indicate the Eagles (13-3) expect Hurts to start against the visiting New York Giants (9-6-1). Head coach Nick Sirianni wouldn't go quite that far before Friday's practice but said "it's trending in the right direction." Sirianni said Friday's practice would be one indicator of what the team would do Sunday. Signs continued to build that the Giants, who clinched a wild-card spot but can't improve their standing regardless of the outcome in the NFC East rivalry game, would be rolling out a backup-dominated lineup. Hurts has missed the past two games. The Eagles dropped both with backup quarterback Gardner Minshew under center. Eagles No. 1 wide receiver A.J. Brown said Thursday that Hurts was knocking off some rust, but there was a noticeable pep he appreciated. "We are all excited to see him back. He is locked in for sure," Brown said. "He definitely had a tempo about him today. He was telling guys, come on, hurry up. I'm glad he's back." Tight end Dallas Goedert said Hurts was sharp and said teammates won't doubt the "fierce competitor" playing Sunday with the top seed and a first-round bye on the line. "He definitely wants to be out there. He looked good, he looked like he hasn't missed anything," Goedert said. "The balls look good coming out of his hand, his reads were good." Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson could also play Sunday. Gardner-Johnson and defensive end Robert Quinn have been designated to return from injured reserve, opening their 21-day practice window to rejoin the active roster. A roster move would be required to bring either player up for Sunday's game. --Field Level Media