Jalen Hurts underwent surgical procedure to take away “{hardware}” from his ankle, sources say

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who recently became the highest-paid player in NFL history, underwent right ankle surgery earlier this offseason, league sources told ESPN.

The procedure consisted of removing “hardware” that had been inserted into his ankle after Hurts suffered a severe ankle sprain while playing for the University of Alabama in an October 2018 game against Tennessee, sources said. Hurts was sidelined for almost a month before playing again in November of that season.

The surgery to remove the hardware took place in February and was considered minor, according to sources, who added that Hurts returned to his off-season training routine not long after the procedure.

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Sources say Hurts will be a full participant in the Eagles’ offseason training program, which begins next week.

Hurts, 24, also underwent surgery on his left ankle in February 2022. In November 2021 against the New York Giants, he suffered a serious sprained ankle, missed a game and returned after the team’s departure to lead Philadelphia to a playoff spot in his first season as a full-time starter.

Hurts compiled an MVP-level campaign last season, averaging a 14-1 record as a starter while throwing for 22 touchdowns and rushing for 13 more. He saved one of his best performances for the biggest stage, piling up 374 yards with four touchdowns and a costly turnover in a 38-35 Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Hurts and Philadelphia on Monday agreed to a five-year, $255 million extension that includes over $179 million in guarantees. It is the largest contract by average annual value in NFL history at $51 million per year and includes a no-trade clause — the first in Eagles history.

Hurts has missed a total of three games as a professional. He sat out two games late in the 2022 season with a right shoulder sprain, but returned for the regular-season finals against the Giants and played with discomfort in the postseason, leading the Eagles to the Super Bowl.