Eagles ready to let QB Hurts loose as NFL playoffs kick off

Niners plot ways to counter ‘dual threat’

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Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts warms up before the game against the Commanders last Sunday.

(AFP)

The Philadelphia Eagles are ready to unleash the full force of dual threat quarterback Jalen Hurts as they open their NFL postseason campaign tomorrow with a wildcard clash against a depleted San Francisco 49ers lineup.

After an inconsistent regular season campaign, the reigning Super Bowl champions have scuffled their way into the playoffs on the back of conservative play-calling that significantly limited Hurts' dynamic rushing game normally a key part of the Eagles' offensive arsenal.

Hurts rushed for a total of 421 yards during the regular season, roughly 33 percent less than his 630 yards last year, and his lowest total since his 2020 rookie campaign.

That restriction has been by design, with new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo and head coach Nick Sirianni reportedly preferring to protect Hurts from possible injury ahead of the postseason.

But as they prepare to host the 49ers, Patullo has hinted the handbrake on Hurts may now be released.