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The NFL is supposed to be hyper-vigilant about potential concussions, especially those involving quarterbacks. When Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts hit his head hard on the turf in the first half, most expected the Eagles quarterback to be removed from the game.
But, Hurts played the rest of the first half without being evaluated. That led to widespread consternation on social media.
The Eagles took on the Commanders Thursday night in a crucial NFC East divisional matchup. Take a look at this play. Hurts clearly smacks his head off of the turf.
Of course everyone ignores this sack because it doesn’t regard Tua Tagovailoa.
With the way his head bounced off the ground like that, Jalen Hurts at minimum should’ve been taken out to be checked for a concussion.
Once again a fail from the #NFL pic.twitter.com/JjVIv2OUGU
— Brady Hamilton (@BradyH_216) November 15, 2024
The NFL is supposed to have independent healthcare professionals to pull Jalen Hurts from the game to be evaluated. But, Hurts played the entire second quarter before being taken to the tent. That’s not good, considering fans watching from their couches knew that he needed to get checked out.
Why isn’t Jalen Hurts being checked for a concussion.
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) November 15, 2024
Anybody else think Hurts looks like he might have a concussion after the sack?
— Greg Ehrenberg (@gehrenbergdfs) November 15, 2024
So hurts just slammed his head and seemed concussed but nobody said a word lol
— McCoyINC (@TrevanJamalMcC) November 15, 2024
Jalen Hurts just got an obvious concussion and nobody is checking in on him.
The NFL is a deeply unserious league. #NFL
— Gritty From Philly (@GrittyGetLitty) November 15, 2024
On the team’s last snap of the first half, he hit his head again. This time, he was taken into the tent. Ultimately, he was cleared, and led the Eagles to a 26-18 win.
Jalen Hurts #eagles
Goes face first into the ground on the last play. Getting evaluated for a concussion pic.twitter.com/BKFBgpk8fU
— Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) November 15, 2024
This seems like it was a pretty big failure on the NFL’s part, and they’re going to be getting a lot of criticism for it over the weekend. Thankfully, Jalen Hurts appears to be okay.