Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni is catching serious heat from NFL fans after a press conference slip-up. Sirianni hinted that quarterback Jalen Hurts might be dealing with an ankle injury.
On Wednesday, the Eagles’ injury report labeled Hurts as “resting,” but Sirianni fumbled on Friday, referring to “an ankle issue.” This led fans to speculate, and Sirianni quickly backpedaled, apologizing for the confusion.
Nick Sirianni Tried His Best To Save the Blunder
In Friday’s press conference, Sirianni was asked why Hurts took a rest day — a rarity for the QB. “Yeah, he was dealing with — it was on the injury report. Dealing with the ankle. And, you know, making sure we’re cautious with everything,” Sirianni said before the Eagles’ PR team clarified, saying it was purely for rest.
Sirianni attempted to walk back his statement, sparking a Twitter frenzy. One fan blasted Sirianni, saying, “Sirianni is asking to be fired atp.”
Sirianni is asking to be fired atp
— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔦𝔱 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 📰 (@the_det_times) November 8, 2024
Another mocked, “This man must’ve been a diversity hire because I’ve never seen a coach more mentally challenged.”
Another wrote: “Sirianni lowkey on the hot seat.”
“Another Philadelphia team hiding a star player’s injury. Really hope it is nothing too serious with Jalen Hurts. However, right now, I am concerned that Sirianni has no idea what is going on with this team lol,” tweeted another fan.
One X user said, “He should just not give any press conferences. Foot meet mouth.”
“Slipped up off the edibles,” joked another fan.
Concerns over Hurts’ health aren’t unwarranted. Jalen Hurts’ ankle issues are not something new. He missed a game in 2021 because of that and underwent an ankle surgery in 2023. Fans fear the team might be covering up a lingering issue, especially since Hurts played through pain in the Eagles’ 28-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 9, rushing 13 times for 67 yards and even nailing an 18-yard TD run.
Away from the Sirianni fumble, Hurts is expected to practice and play against the Cowboys. However, given Sirianni’s public slip-up, fans are left wondering if there’s more to the story than meets the eye. If the Hurts injury is actually real, it could impact the Eagles’ game plan.
The injury report is due Friday and will provide more clarity over the issue. With other players like TE Dallas Goedert and CB Darius Slay returning from injuries, the Eagles hope to bring their best game against the Dallas Cowboys.