It took the full week to confirm, but the expected quarterback matchup in the NFC Wild Card Round showdown between the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles is finally official.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts were both removed from the final injury report on Friday and will play in Sunday’s playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field.
While Love injured his right elbow in the season finale and Hurts entered the week in concussion protocol, Love practiced in a full capacity on Thursday and Friday and Hurts cleared the concussion protocol on Friday.
Both quarterbacks are healthy enough to play, so who will be better on Sunday?
Love completed 60.0 percent of passes, averaged 6.2 yards per attempt and had a passer rating of only 87.0 over the final three regular season games. Hurts, on the other hand, suffered a concussion after throwing just four passes in Week 16 and missed the final two games. Sunday will be a battle of a quarterback who didn’t play particularly well to end the season against a quarterback who hasn’t played a full game since Dec. 15.
Both quarterbacks are dealing with wide receiver injuries. Christian Watson suffered a season-ending knee injury in the season finale, robbing the Packers passing game of its top deep threat. The Eagles, meanwhile, are working through injuries to both A.J. Brown (knee) and Devonta Smith (back), who are both expected to play Sunday after missing practices this week.
The Packers will also have their backup quarterback option available. Malik Willis has no status designation despite injuring his right thumb in the season finale. He practiced in full on Thursday and Friday, same as Love.
So often, big games — especially in the playoffs — are decided by quarterback play. Which quarterback — Love or Hurts — will better manage the circumstances and create the big plays necessary to advance in the postseason?