Jalen Hurts, the Philadelphia Eagles‘ star quarterback and leader, will not participate in the preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals scheduled for Thursday. The decision to rest Hurts aligns with the team’s plan to withhold most starters from game action in the preseason, focusing instead on backups and emerging players.
Hurts’ dual-threat capabilities are vital to the Eagles’ high-powered offense, but it has been standard practice for Philadelphia to keep their key players off the field during preseason games. According to The Inquirer, it has been years since Hurts played in a preseason contest, reflecting the team’s strategy to prepare reserve players and finalize their roster ahead of the regular season. Alongside Hurts, notable starters including DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown will also remain sidelined to preserve their health and readiness for the regular season kickoff.
The Bengals, known for their talented offense and strong presence in the AFC, will similarly hold back their starters during this preseason matchup, giving their reserves a chance to compete.
Reviewing Jalen Hurts’ 2024 Season Performance
During the 2024 regular season, Jalen Hurts delivered a steady and effective performance, guiding the Philadelphia Eagles to another playoff berth. The former Alabama Crimson Tide and Oklahoma Sooners quarterback displayed accurate passing combined with dynamic rushing ability throughout the year.
Hurts completed the season with 2,903 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while adding an impressive 14 rushing touchdowns. Although his regular-season efforts were solid, it was Hurts’ remarkable showing in Super Bowl LIX that truly defined the year. He recorded two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown in the championship game, leading the Eagles to a memorable victory over the Kansas City Chiefs and securing the Super Bowl MVP award.
Looking Ahead: Eagles’ Quest for Consecutive Super Bowl Titles
Following their triumph in Super Bowl LIX, the Eagles aim to build on their success and pursue back-to-back championships in the upcoming season. With a roster brimming with both seasoned veterans and promising young talent, their campaign begins with the preseason game against the Bengals.
While Hurts and the other starters sit out the preseason opener, their focus remains on preparing for the regular season’s challenges. The team’s approach underlines the importance of resting key players to maintain peak performance levels for the postseason push.