Jalen Hurts just isn’t running the ball like he used to, and it’s absolutely impacting the Philadelphia Eagles offense, which is now in a desperate search for answers. After playing the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on October 11, 2026, it’s clearer than ever that his rushing game, once a huge asset, has dropped off dramatically this season. Sure, we’ve praised him before for his impact in the run game, and he earned that credit, but you can’t just ignore it when it’s gone. This matters, a lot.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Where Did the Runs Go?
Look, the stats are screaming. Hurts is currently averaging a career-low 21.4 rushing yards per game this year, which puts him at 9th among quarterbacks. Remember when he averaged over 50 rushing yards per game early in his career? That feels like ages ago. After putting up a solid 49 yards in the opener against Washington, he’s averaged just 15 yards per game since Week 2. That’s a huge drop-off. Over the last four weeks, he’s only tallied 61 rushing yards, which is his second-fewest in any four-game stretch since he became a full-time starter back in 2021. This is also his fewest through five games of a season, by a whopping 75 yards. Against the Jaguars in London, he had a mere two rushing yards, which is his second-fewest in 89 career starts. It even brings back memories of that minus-10 rushing yards performance in the win over the Vikings last year, which included two five-yard losses, one a kneeldown, in the final 47 seconds.
The “Very Unique” Calf & The New Approach
So, what’s going on? Part of it might be a calf injury, disclosed last Friday, that Hurts called a “very unique experience.” He admitted he “got nicked up in the Rams game” but wouldn’t get into details, even though it apparently didn’t impact his practice reps. The team flew to London on Friday, which makes you wonder about medical care over there. But beyond the injury, there’s been talk, even dating back to last year, that Hurts doesn’t *want* to run as much anymore, and the Eagles seem to be on board with that approach. There’s definitely a balance needed here, because nobody wants Hurts running around recklessly and taking hits, but we’ve hit a point where it’s just “not enough.” The offense is stalling, and they desperately need answers. This whole situation has even put head coach Nick Sirianni’s career at a crossroads.
When Hurts *does* run, he’s still effective, averaging 4.7 yards per carry, which is his highest since 2021. Plus, his two runs of 20 yards or more this year already match his total from all of last year. The effectiveness is there, but the volume just isn’t. The real question for the Eagles is how they get that impact back, because right now, this version of the offense isn’t cutting it, and everyone’s looking for a fix.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleeding Green Nation.
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