Eagles’ Jalen hurts expect to wear knee brace against Commanders

PHILADELPHIA — Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts said his injured left knee is “progressing,” but he expects to wear a brace for Sunday’s NFC title game against the Washington Commanders.

All eyes have been on Hurts’ knee this week after an awkward takedown in the third quarter of the divisional round of the playoffs against the Los Angeles Rams in which his left leg got pinned under him.

He finished the game but lacked his usual mobility. He had six carries for 71 yards and a touchdown before the injury; The only rushing stat he had after came on a pass breakup to end the game.

His teammates have offered positive reports on Hurts this week. Right tackle Lane Johnson said after Thursday’s practice that hurt “was mobile, he was moving.” Left tackle Jordan Mailata noted that his QB has had “good energy.”

“I expect Jalen to be Jalen,” running back Saquon Barkley said. “He’ll show up for us, he’ll play. He’s a winner. He’s got the ‘It’ factor.”

Elsewhere on the injury front, tight end Dallas Goedert (ankle) and starting center Cam Jurgens (back) practiced for the first time this week Friday. Goedert was listed as a full participant according to the injury report, while Jurgens was limited and is doubtful for Sunday’s affair.

Jurgens declined to speak in the locker room afterward. Left guard Landon Dickerson took snaps at center in Jurgens’ absence earlier this week and would likely get the call if Jurgens can’t play.

Goedert left no mystery, saying he was good to go until Sunday.

“I feel good today. It was a good practice out there, I moved really well, so I’m really happy with where I’m at,” he said.

Rookie standout corner Quinyon Mitchell left the Rams game with a shoulder injury but has practiced this week and has also said he will play Sunday.