There’s a decent chance that the Philadelphia Eagles will turn to Gardner Minshew as their starting quarterback on Saturday against the Dallas Cowboys as Jalen Hurts deals with an injury. However, the mustachioed signal-caller was excused from practice on Tuesday, though for an understandable reason.
According to Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Jeff McLane, Minshew was excused from practice so that he could attend Mike Leach’s funeral in Mississippi.
“Gardner Minshew has been excused today to attend Mike Leach’s funeral in Mississippi, per the [Eagles],” wrote McLane. “So he won’t participate in the team’s walkthrough ahead of the Cowboys game even though there is a strong chance he has to start on Saturday.”
Minshew played for Leach at Washington State and the two infamously celebrated “mustache madness” together during a successful 2018 season. Leach passed away last week following a heart attack.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday night that Hurts may miss Saturday’s game against the Cowboys due to a sprained shoulder injury. Hurts is considered a leading NFL MVP candidate, throwing for nearly 3,500 yards and 22 touchdowns while also rushing for 747 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Minshew definitely has some big shoes to fill on Saturday. Though, if he does play well, it might lend credence to Hurts’ critics who think he is benefitting from being surrounded by amazing players.
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.