It has likely felt like a crazy last few weeks for Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
First he had his worst start in the NFL in the Eagles’ loss to the Giants. Then missed the team’s game against the New York Jets, the first time in his career he has been unable to play due to injury. Since that missed start, he has had to listen to there be debate on whether Gardner Minshew should be the starting quarterback the rest of the season.
The good news for Hurts? It seems his teammates have not wavered at all in their support of their starting quarterback.
According to FOX NFL Insider Jay Glazer the Eagles’ locker room is still completely behind Hurts, even as the team has been rumored to be looking for an upgrade at the position and Minshew Mania has spread throughout Philadelphia.
Here is what Glazer had to say in a video posted on Twitter:
“By the way, I’ll tell you this. While the team was dabbling with maybe DeShaun Watson and going after somebody else, I’m just telling you that locker room, they are all bought in on Jalen Hurts. Completely bought in on him.”
In addition to the comment on the locker room supporting Hurts, Glazer also noted that Hurts had a Grade 1 ankle sprain, which is a 2-4 week injury. With the Eagles on the Bye Week this week, it seems Hurts will be healthy enough to play in the team’s next game vs. Washington, a crucial one as they chase a playoff spot.
Glazer’s comments on the locker room, however, are significant.
The Eagles have dealt with plenty of quarterback controversy in the past few years, but at the root of the problem was a lack of support for Carson Wentz in the locker room. It is why some preferred Nick Foles and why last season some wanted Jalen Hurts. Wentz is arguably more talented than both, but his lack of leadership help create an atmosphere where a quarterback controversy could happen.
That isn’t the case with Hurts. Hurts is respected in the locker room and has the support of his teammates. He has put in the work with his teammates off the field for moments like this one, where he needs their support. That isn’t to say Minshew isn’t well liked. But unlike with Wentz, there isn’t a leadership void there to be filled by the backup. That is helping to stop any potential quarterback controversy inside the locker room.
Outside the locker room? There will continue to be debate — and rightfully so. It isn’t clear cut who gives this team a better chance to win. It is probably Hurts, but there is certainly an argument to be made for Minshew. Moving forward, it isn’t clear who the team’s quarterback of the future is. Questions will continue to be asked about that moving forward and well into the offseason.
Inside the locker room, however, the lack of a controversy is huge as this team tries to make a push for the playoffs over the final month of the season.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com