The good news is Jalen Hurts’ illness wasn’t related to COVID-19. The bad news is it cost him a preseason game.
The Eagles quarterback was sent to the hospital shortly after kickoff against the Patriots Thursday night. Hurts wasn’t feeling well, according to head coach Nick Sirianni, but tried to gut it out until the pain in his stomach was too much.
He was seen warming up on the field before kickoff, but Joe Flacco surprised by walking onto the field for the Eagles’ first offensive series.
“Everything’s good, and he’s going to be OK,” Sirianni said. “He had pain in his abdomen, which, for a guy like that to tell us, he’s a tough guy, so it must have been hurting him pretty good for him to let us know about that.”
The Eagles ended up losing to the Patriots, 35-0. In Hurts’ place, Joe Flacco started and completed 10 of 17 for 83 yards and an interception. While Hurts is expected to be the starter – Sirianni has so far declined to name his Week 1 quarterback – the second-year signal-caller could certainly use the reps. He played in just two series in the Eagles’ first preseason game.
Sirianni wouldn’t say if Hurts will play in the final preseason contest next Friday against the Jets. The two teams will have two joint practices before the contest.