Report: Eagles To Play Jalen Hurts, Starters in Preseason Opener

Throughout the Nick Sirianni era, the Philadelphia Eagles have opted for a more laid-back approach to preseason games.

Even Sirianni's predecessor, Doug Pederson, would decide against playing starters during the preseason.

Despite recent history, Philadelphia's head coach is bucking the trend and will play quarterback Jalen Hurts and the starting offense a series or two as first reported by Jeff McLane and the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Hurts last played in a preseason game leading into the 2022 season when he led a lone touchdown drive against the New York Jets.

So why the sudden change for the Eagles and their starters?

The reality is that the circumstances are not the same entering the 2024 season. After dropping six of their final seven games and starting out the 2023 season slow, the Eagles are looking to roar out the gate in the new year and show last season's collapse was a fluke - not the norm.

There is danger in playing the starters, though.

In meaningless games, any injury is a reflection of the coaching staff taking an unnecessary risk for no reason. Especially if injuries come to Philadelphia's star players.

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The reality is though that the Eagles need to start fast in 2024. The only way to do that is to make sure the group looks like a well-oiled machine at this point in training camp.

It may be a risk, but the Eagles know things need to change if they want to stay a championship contender.