Jalen Hurts overcomes injury scare to guide Eagles to 26-18 victory over Commanders
Jalen Hurts (26) overcame a concussion scare to ignite a decisive fourth-quarter rally for the Philadelphia Eagles, who defeated the Washington Commanders 26-18 on Thursday.
Hurts, the Eagles' quarterback, appeared to be in jeopardy shortly before halftime after suffering a hard blow to the head, forcing him to be evaluated for concussion on the sideline.
However, the 26-year-old returned for the second half and played a key role in the Eagles' fourth-quarter comeback in a crucial NFC East divisional battle.
Philadelphia rose to 8-2 with their sixth consecutive victory, while Washington dropped to 7-4.
Washington led 10-6 at the end of the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field, thanks to a first-quarter touchdown by Brian Robinson and a 45-yard field goal by Zane Gonzalez.
Hurts answered by leading an 11-play, 76-yard drive that concluded with the big quarterback burrowing into the end zone from the one-yard line for one of Philadelphia's classic 'brotherly shove' touchdowns.
Hurts had also played a crucial part in keeping the drive alive earlier, successfully scrambling on third and 7 to get a first down and set up the touchdown.
Although Eagles kicker Jake Elliott missed an extra point, putting Washington within a field goal of taking the lead, Philadelphia struck next.
A risky fourth-down conversion attempt by Washington failed, and the Commanders gave up possession to Philadelphia.
Hurts then led a successful touchdown drive that ended with Saquon Barkley racing 23 yards into the endzone to make the score 19-10 after Elliott's extra point.
Washington's following possession ended disastrously when quarterback Jayden Daniels was intercepted. Barkley ripped through the Washington defence again two plays later, this time sprinting 39 yards for his second touchdown.
Washington scored a late consolation touchdown through Zach Ertz, and a two-point conversion made the score 26-18, but Philadelphia comfortably recovered the onside kick following the restart to seal the victory.
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