The status of franchise quarterback, Jalen Hurts, has been the main – and really only dominating topic of conversation online for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jalen Hurts is unlikely to be at full strength on Sunday, despite being a full participant in practice on Friday, which has given worry to some Eagles fans despite the team going in as 6-point favorites over the Washington Commanders.

Now, Hurts has revealed some even more unsettling news for Philadelphia fans – that he will wear a knee brace for the duration of Sunday’s game, per Eagles insider, Tim McManus.

QB Jalen Hurts anticipates he’ll wear a knee brace Sunday against the Commanders.

— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) January 24, 2025

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Although this is will not come as some next level shock to Eagles fans; Hurts wore a knee brace for the entire fourth quarter of the Divisional Round matchup against the Rams, it certainly will not alleviate any injury fears regarding Hurts coming into this Championship game.

How Much Will This Affect The Eagles’ Offense?

Jalen Hurts’ health is obviously a vital factor coming into the game on Sunday, particularly given the recent prowess of opposing QB, Jayden Daniels.

Much of Hurts is game revolves around being able to move freely and quickly in and around the pocket: The use the read option, in tandem with Offensive Player of the Year finalist, Saquon Barkley; and the former Alabama star’s ability to make plays outside the pocket are really his two biggest calling cards as quarterback in the NFL.

Having said that, the Eagles have managed to survive, and even thrive in games where he has been asked to do very little. Hurts has thrown for a cumulative 259 yards and 2 touchdowns over both playoff victories against the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams – neither of whom are walk-over, easy opponents.

And when you have the #1 offensive line in the NFL, per PFF, the need to scramble out of the pocket in order to make big plays is significantly reduced.

Will This Add Pressure To The Philadelphia Defense?

With the #1 ranked defense in the NFL, and the #1 passing defense the Eagles will hope to avoid a shootout against a rookie who has seemingly defied all conventional wisdom in playing like a top five signal caller in the league in less than 20 starts.

However, fans of both teams will remember the reverse matchup in Week 16, where the Commanders shocked the world in beating the Eagles 33-36. Whilst backup, Kenny Pickett, served as the QB for the majority of the game, it was the defense that was the proverbial “LVP”, with Jayden Daniels throwing for 5 touchdowns and 258 yards, alongside rushing for 81 yards.

Hurts is obviously a better player than Pickett, but if the injury restricts his movement substantially, there perhaps is not as much of gap between the two as one would imagine. – particularly if the knee injury ends up leading to issues in Hurts’ full-body throwing motion.

Even though they remain heavy favorites come Sunday, Philly fans will no doubt keep this at the back of their mind.