ProFootballDoc says optics bad around Jalen Hurts absence

Ruled out for Week 6 Friday with blood clot

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 50m1 min read

"The optics of this are bad, that doesn't mean the fact pattern behind it was bad." @ProFootballDoc weighs in on Jalen Via @ESPNNFL on X

What happened: ProFootballDoc said the fact pattern behind the absence was not bad despite the appearance. Jalen Hurts was ruled out for Week 6 on Friday with a blood clot.

Why it matters: Missing the starting quarterback changes preparation and lineup decisions. The assessment follows public debate over whether Hurts sat out to avoid blame, which RGIII disputed.

By the numbers: Hurts completed 294 of 454 passes for 3,224 yards with 25 touchdowns and 6 interceptions in 16 games in 2025. Drafted 53rd overall in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma.

What to watch: Next checkpoint is practice participation and Week 7 game status. Philadelphia roster moves will indicate coverage plans.

Sources

@espnNFL 2026-10-21T16:41:15.064349+00:00

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