As the playoffs draw near, all eyes are on Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, especially considering his concussion protocol status ahead of the Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers. Hurts, who was knocked out during the first quarter of Week 16 against the Washington Commanders, has been sidelined for an extended period, leaving many to wonder: Should fans be concerned about his readiness for the big game?

Shady McCoy’s Confidence in Hurts’ Recovery

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Hurts’ status, former NFL star Shady McCoy isn’t too worried. McCoy believes Hurts is on track to recover fully, citing inside sources who confirm Hurts is “fine” and just taking his time to clear concussion protocol. According to McCoy, Hurts has been spending time with his teammates, keeping a positive attitude, and is already mentally preparing for the playoffs.

The Eagles’ focus, according to McCoy, is not on Hurts’ stats or records but on winning when it counts—namely, in the postseason. He emphasizes that Hurts is a proven winner and that his leadership is more important than anything else. The team’s main goal is to bring home a Super Bowl, and McCoy is confident that Hurts will be ready when the time comes.

The Playoff Question: How Will Hurts Perform?

While McCoy has full confidence in Hurts’ ability to perform, there’s still the matter of his playoff experience—or lack thereof. Hurts has only played in a few playoff games, and in those games, the Eagles’ defense has often done most of the heavy lifting. From his first playoff appearance, where the Eagles lost to the Buccaneers, to the subsequent year, where the team won with ease against the Giants and Niners, Hurts hasn’t been in a situation where he had to carry the team in a close playoff game.

So, the question remains: Can Hurts deliver in high-pressure situations? Will he step up when the game is on the line? His regular-season success has been impressive, but the playoffs are a different beast, and Hurts will be under the microscope if the Eagles are in a tight battle.

Trusting Jalen Hurts as a Winner

Despite the playoff question marks, Hurts has proven time and again that he knows how to win games. McCoy insists that Hurts doesn’t need to play perfect football to secure victories—he just needs to perform when it matters most. Hurts has a knack for making big plays when the game is on the line, whether it’s with his arm or his legs.

Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown echoes McCoy’s sentiments, noting that Hurts has a unique ability to “turn it on” when the game is on the line, even if he’s not playing his best throughout the game. Hurts’ leadership and ability to make clutch plays are what set him apart, and that’s what the Eagles need in the playoffs.

Concussion Protocol: A Concern for Rust?

While there’s little doubt about Hurts’ leadership and mental toughness, the concussion protocol itself raises a different concern—rust. Hurts has been sidelined for weeks, and with only a limited amount of practice and team activities, there’s a fear that he might start slow in the playoff game against the Packers. After all, it will have been nearly three weeks since Hurts last played in a competitive game, and that time off could affect his timing and rhythm on the field.

It’s not that Hurts won’t be cleared; it’s the worry about whether he can hit the ground running. The Packers, especially if they catch fire early, could take advantage of any slow starts. But regardless of the rust, McCoy and other teammates are confident that Hurts’ ability to rise to the occasion will be the deciding factor.

What Does Hurts’ Return Mean for the Eagles?

At the end of the day, it’s clear that Hurts’ return is a huge boost for the Eagles, but the real question is whether he can deliver the kind of performance needed in a playoff atmosphere. Even if the game is close or the team faces adversity, Hurts’ leadership will be crucial.

For now, Hurts is expected to clear concussion protocol and be ready for the Packers, but the concerns about rust and his ability to perform under pressure will linger. With a strong defense and the right leadership, Hurts has the chance to prove once again that he’s the winning quarterback the Eagles need to make a deep playoff run.

In conclusion, while it’s understandable to have concerns about Hurts’ time off and the effects of concussion protocol, his track record and leadership qualities make him a player worth trusting in high-stakes moments. The only thing left to do now is see if he can deliver when it matters most.