Jul 28, 2021; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts during training camp at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Both the Seattle Seahawks and the Philadelphia Eagles could be without their starting quarterbacks for tonight’s pivotal Week 15 matchup.
Geno Smith, the Seahawks’ starting quarterback, has a persistent groin problem. Jalen Hurts, the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, has been battling with an undisclosed illness.
Smith missed the Seahawks’ Week 14 loss to the San Francisco 49ers due to an injury. Smith is considered a “long shot” to start tonight against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Smith is labeled as questionable, but he practiced on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, suggesting he might play against the Eagles. Smith’s status will be determined at game time.
If Smith is ruled out, backup Drew Lock will take his place. Lock began against the 49ers, completing 22 of 31 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns but also throwing two interceptions in the Seahawks’ 28-16 loss.
Hurts’ condition was upgraded to doubtful after his illness worsened overnight, according to the club.
Hurts traveled to Seattle separately from the team to ensure that no other players became ill. Hurts continues to want to play, and according to Rapoport, “most players who deal with something like this do end up playing.”
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/pmn/HL7Z3SRM65CRPLUBZJNMCE3YXE.jpg)
If Hurts is unable to play, backup Marcus Mariota will take his place. This season, the former Oregon Ducks star hasn’t seen much action. In two outings this season, Mariota has tried three passes and run twice.
The Seahawks (6-7) are hoping to end their four-game losing run, which is the longest in head coach Pete Carroll’s tenure in Seattle. The Eagles are hoping to bounce back from last week’s 33-13 setback to the Dallas Cowboys.
