Jalen Hurts unexpectedly ruled out of Eagles vs. Patriots with non-COVID illness

<div> <figure> <img alt="NFL: New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GkqDbu3MW1sUU6sg-udeLXAymL4=/0x0:2496x1664/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69750803/usa_today_16589980.0.jpg"> <figcaption>Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption> </figure> <p>Last minute roster change for the preseason Week 2 change.</p> <p id="xrduoD">The <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> are hosting the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> for their second preseason game on Thursday, and just minutes <em>after </em>kickoff, we learned quarterback Jalen Hurts would miss the game due to an illness. It was clarified that Hurts’ illness was NOT COVID related, so at least there’s that. (Note: Hurts did say he was vaccinated.)</p> <p id="18gQME">Joe Flacco got the start instead, and we probably won’t see the second-year QB again until Week 1 — historically most starters don’t play in the final preseason game.</p> <p id="R9Fw2a">This isn’t really a big deal seeing that Hurts has had a good training camp and has been doing everything right to hold on to the starting QB spot. Still, it’s notable that Hurts was seen dancing around and warming up pregame, and not displaying any kinds of signs of illness — at least not one that would keep him sidelined.</p> <div id="yw0AiO"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr"> Eagles QB Jalen Hurts will not be playing tonight due to an illness <br><br>Hurts looked very good pregame dancing here <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Eagles?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Eagles</a> <a href="https://t.co/jszLJWnbBF">pic.twitter.com/jszLJWnbBF</a></p>— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffSkversky/status/1428502141476421638?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2021</a> </blockquote> </div> <p id="E3Pjmb">Rookie DeVonta Smith is seeing his first NFL action Thursday night, which makes Hurts missing out on snaps even more disappointing. But, the two already have an e<a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2021/5/9/22427364/jalen-hurts-devonta-smith-sneak-preview-nfl-alabama-stats-connection-philadelphia-eagles-highlights"><strong>stablished rapport</strong></a>, so while it’d be nice to get some game-speed reps, it’s not entirely necessary.</p> <p id="JmkfFI">Here’s hoping Hurts feels better soon!</p> </div>