Eagles QB Jalen Hurts clears protocol, will start vs. Packers

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has cleared concussion protocol and will start the NFC wild-card playoff matchup against the visiting Green Bay Packers on Sunday, coach Nick Sirianni said Friday. Hurts has been sidelined since suffering the head injury on Dec. 22 against the Washington Commanders. He returned to practice on Wednesday in a limited fashion before taking on a full workload the following day. "He has made it through the protocol," Sirianni said. "He's had a good week of practice. Really good week." A.J. Brown returned to the practice field on Friday however fellow wide receiver DeVonta Smith did not participate in the session. Multiple reports had Smith sitting out due to a back tightness, however NFL Network reported Smith is expected to be able to play on Sunday. Brown was limited in practice on Wednesday before sitting out the following day due to a knee injury. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Hurts completed 20 of 34 passes for 278 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in the Eagles' Week 1 win over the Packers in Brazil. Hurts, 26, completed 68.7 percent of his passes for 2,903 yards with 18 touchdowns and five interceptions in 15 games this season. He also rushed for 630 yards and 14 scores. Smith led the Eagles in catches (68) and touchdown receptions (eight), one more than Brown on both fronts. Brown, however, led the club in receiving yards (1,079), significantly more than Smith (833). --Field Level Media