Eagles Rumors: 'Optimism' Jalen Hurts Returns from Concussion vs. Packers in Playoffs

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts hasn't played since a Dec. 22 loss to the Washington Commanders because of a concussion, but there is reportedly "optimism" regarding his availability for Sunday's playoff game against the Green Bay Packers.

"Multiple sources in contact with Hurts have expressed optimism about him playing against Green Bay, but it ultimately comes down to whether he's able to make it through all the stages of the protocol, including being cleared by an independent neurological consultant," ESPN's Tim McManus reported Tuesday.

Hurts returned to practice on Wednesday:

The Eagles also waived quarterback Ian Book, which was widely seen as a positive sign for Hurts' availability this weekend.

Hurts' status going into the game is a primary storyline, especially since Philadelphia's backup situation isn't even settled.

Kenny Pickett replaced Hurts against the Commanders and started the following game against the Dallas Cowboys before he took multiple hard hits to his ribs and was replaced by Tanner McKee. McKee then started the season finale against the New York Giants and led the team to a win.

McManus noted Sirianni did not commit to McKee or Pickett as the backup to Hurts on Tuesday.

While the other two options at least picked up some experience at the end of the season, Philadelphia's Super Bowl chances likely rest on Hurts' availability.

The dual-threat quarterback completed 68.7 percent of his passes for 2,903 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions while adding 630 yards and 14 scores on the ground this season. Opposing defenses were often put into situations where they had to pick their poison between Hurts and running back Saquon Barkley, which made the Eagles all the more difficult to stop.

That was on full display in the season-opening victory over the Packers when Hurts threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns while Barkley ran for 109 yards and scored three times.

If the duo can replicate that production on Sunday, Green Bay likely has little chance to pull off the upset on the road. However, that relies on Hurts being available, which made Tuesday's update an encouraging one for the Eagles.