Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders Preview: Jalen Hurts Injury Concern?

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders Preview Week 8: Road NFC East Division Test

The Philadelphia Eagles hit the road in Week 8 to face NFC East Division foe Washington Commanders at FedEx Field on Sunday.

This matchup features two teams headed in seemingly different directions. The Commanders have dropped four of their last five games after a 2-0 start, while the Eagles are coming off an impressive 31-17 win over the electric Miami Dolphins.

Washington's protection issues are continuing at a record-breaking pace. In the Commanders 14-7 loss to the lowly New York Giants in Week 7, quarterback Sam Howell was sacked six times. The Giants entered the game with only five total sacks.

Howell has been sacked 40 times through seven games, on pace to be sacked 97 times this season. The current NFL record for most sacks allowed in a year is 76 (David Carr, 2002 Houston Texans.)

The Eagles look to build on their Sunday night win over the Dolphins, but health concerns surround quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Hurts was running with an obvious limp on Sunday night and added a knee brace in the second half. Hurts said he feels “fine,'' and when asked about any knee issue going forward said, “I hope not.”

Hurts pushed through to finish with 279 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, along with 21 rushing yards on 11 attempts and another touchdown.

Marcus Mariota is the Eagles backup, if Hurts cannot play vs. the Commanders.

Watch for Philadelphia receiver A.J. Brown. In Week 7, Brown had 10 receptions for 137 yards and a touchdown, marking his fifth straight game over 125 yards and matching the NFL record set by former Detroit Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson.

AJ Brown / USA Today

FLASHBACK: In the first matchup between these teams, the Eagles squeaked out an overtime win over Washington, 34-31, in Week 4. 

RECORDS: Washington Commanders (3-4) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (6-1)

ODDS: Philadelphia is a 6.5-point favorite vs. the Commanders.

GAME TIME: Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023 at 1 p.m. ET

LOCATION: FedEx Field - North Englewood, MD

TV/RADIO: FOX, 100.3 FM

THE FINAL WORD: Eagles coach Nick Sirianni on five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay, who had a 4th quarter interception vs. Miami:

“Slay has it all,” Sirianni said. “Football IQ, athletic ability. “I can’t tell you how good of a leader Darius Slay is.”