Jalen Hurts Praises DeVonta Smith for Battling Back Injury Against Chiefs
The Philadelphia Eagles secured a gritty win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, despite a game that lacked offensive fireworks. Quarterback Jalen Hurts managed just over 100 passing yards, yet the team found a way to get it done.
One of the biggest stories was wide receiver DeVonta Smith, who played through a painful back injury. Smith went down hard while attempting to make a catch, landing awkwardly and forcing him to the medical tent.
Despite the pain, he returned to the field and made key contributions, finishing with four receptions for 53 yards.
Hurts Applauds Smith’s Toughness
Hurts couldn’t say enough about Smith’s resilience after the game. “He came down on his back, but he came up in the clutch. What else could you ask for?” Hurts told the Eagles media team on Monday.
The quarterback highlighted Smith’s ability to deliver when the team needed him most. He even compared the moment to a similar clutch play Smith made two years ago in the same part of the field.
“Showing up when the moment requires someone to show up – a hell of a play by Smitty,” Hurts added, underscoring his teammate’s toughness.
A Team Effort in a Gritty Win
While Smith’s performance stood out, Hurts also praised the team’s overall ability to grind out the victory. He acknowledged that not every game would be pretty, but winning despite struggles was what mattered most.
“The most important thing is finding a way to win,” Hurts said after the game. “We showed up when we needed to the most. Being able to play turnover-free football. There is a level of patience you have to have.”
The quarterback stressed the importance of staying disciplined, even in games where rhythm is hard to find.
Praise for Defense and Key Contributors
Hurts also made sure to credit the defense, which stifled Kansas City’s offensive line and kept pressure on the Chiefs throughout. “As a team, defensively, they played lights out,” he said in the official Eagles media update.
He also pointed to other offensive players who stepped up, including running back Saquon Barkley, wearing number 26. “26 showed up when we needed him to,” Hurts said. “We just want to continue to build.”
The quarterback emphasized the need to “take pride in winning” and to respect what is required to come out on top, even when it takes a collective grind.
Building Toward Bigger Goals
The win against the Chiefs was less about style and more about substance. Hurts knows the Eagles have bigger goals than a single regular-season victory, but games like these showcase the team’s resilience.
For Smith, playing through pain sent a message to the locker room about toughness and commitment. For Hurts, it was a reminder that the Eagles can win in different ways when everyone pulls together.
As the season continues, both players will be key to the Eagles’ push for consistency and championship contention.
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