Jalen Hurts… Braced but Unbroken!

At a Glance:

Player: Jalen Hurts
Position: Quarterback
Team: Eagles
Injury: Possible MCL Sprain
Projected Recovery Time: TBD

Week 20 Injury Report: Jalen Hurts… Braced but Unbroken!

During the Philadelphia Eagles’ win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, quarterback Jalen Hurts sustained a potential knee injury in the third quarter after taking a sack. The injury occurred when his ankle got caught up, causing his knee to twist awkwardly.

The MCL is one of the main stabilizing structures of the knee. It is on the inside of the knee so when the knee is bent inwards it can be stretched or torn if there is enough force. The MCL is also often compromised when there is an ACL tear. When the MCL is torn there is less static stability of the knee joint requiring more muscle activity to control the joint movement. This can put more stress on the meniscus, so it is important to rest and allow full healing to prevent further damage.

An MCL sprain follows the same frame as all ligament injuries with 3 grades of injury. Brisset likely suffered a grade 1 sprain as he was able to walk around the sidelines after the injury, although he was unable to return to the game. He was also able to practice, but was not fully ready for the impact of game play. Grade 2 injuries typically take several weeks to fully heal, while grade 3 injuries can be upwards of 6-8 weeks for full healing.  There is a lot of blood supply to the MCL, so for most injuries, recovery can be non-operative. However it is important to properly rehabilitate to prevent complications.

Dr. Mark Schwartz, an orthopedic surgeon from Burlington County Orthopedic Specialists, suspects Hurts may have suffered a mild MCL sprain based on the fact that he did not miss any plays following the incident. The team medical staff applied a brace immediately after the play, suggesting they took precautionary measures to stabilize the knee. 

Hurts is expected to undergo an MRI this week to confirm the severity of the injury. Pending results, he will likely begin a rehabilitation program to ensure proper recovery. Additionally, his activity on the field, particularly running, may be limited to reduce the risk of aggravating the injury. 

Weather conditions could influence future risks for similar injuries. Players often wear cleats with more grip in snowy or wet conditions, which can increase the risk of knee twists. The team may consider a protective knee brace for Hurts in upcoming games to provide additional support.

Dr. Schwartz is optimistic that Hurts did not sustain a more serious injury, such as an MCL tear. However, the team is expected to exercise caution and prioritize his recovery to ensure long-term health. Despite the injury, Hurts has expressed confidence that he will be ready to play in the Eagles’ upcoming playoff game against the Washington Commanders. It’s likely that this week will be “all hands on deck” to manage his rehab and readiness for future games.

Source: https://www.audacy.com/94wip/sports/eagles/orthopedic-surgeon-eagles-qb-jalen-hurts-knee-injury-nfl