Eagles injury report: Jalen Hurts watches from the side; 2 starters returns to practice

PHILADELPHIA – When the Eagles began practice Wednesday at the NovaCare Complex to prepare for the Dallas Cowboys, two key pieces of their offense were back on the field. However, several others remained on the sideline due to injury or rest, including a player critical to the unit's overall success.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts did not participate in the individual drills open to the media. Hurts jogged onto the field as his teammates stretched, briefly spoke with head coach Nick Sirianni , then went off to the side to begin stretching exercises. After finishing, he continued observing from the sidelines, even as the wide receivers worked on routes with backup quarterback Kenny Pickett throwing to them.

It's unclear why Hurts was on the sideline. If he is dealing with a significant injury, it could affect the offense's game plan for Sunday. Hurts has completed 69.8% of his passes (150 of 215) for 1,744 yards and has 18 total touchdowns (10 passing and eight rushing). He hasn't missed a game since 2022, when a shoulder injury sidelined him for two late-season games.

Running back Saquon Barkley , wide receiver DeVonta Smith , center Cam Jurgens , and left tackle Fred Johnson observed drills from the sidelines. Johnson had a sleeve on his left knee, and Jurgens wore tape on his hand and wrist. Barkley and Smith were likely given rest days, though their official reasons for both of them not practice will be disclosed when the injury report is released later this afternoon.

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The Eagles did have tight end Dallas Goedert back on the field, participating in blocking and pass-catching drills. Goedert exited the team's Week 6 game against the Cleveland Browns with a hamstring injury that forced him to miss the next three games. Before his injury, Goedert had 24 catches—the team's second-highest total—for 301 yards. In his absence, Grant Calcaterra has filled in, catching all nine of his targets over the last three games for 93 yards.

Wide receiver A.J. Brown did not appear affected by the knee injury he suffered during the first half of last Sunday's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Although Brown tried to play in the second half, he was held out. An MRI on Monday reportedly showed no structural damage.

Cornerback Darius Slay was also back on the field. Slay missed last Sunday's game after a groin injury he sustained against the Bengals lingered through the following week. Isaiah Rodgers replaced him and played well, allowing just one catch for 16 yards on five targets, according to Pro Football Focus. Slay's return strengthens the Eagles' secondary, with Rodgers available if Slay's injury persists. Defensive end Bryce Huff, who is dealing with a wrist injury that caused him to play in only six snaps against the Jaguars, was taped up again but still using it during pass rush drills.