Jalen Hurts ‘looks faster’ in camp. Will the Eagles QB run more in 2026?

PHILADELPHIA — Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts doesn’t “feel any different” than he has in the past. But he has undeniably looked faster through two weeks of training camp.

Hurts’ speed has been a topic of conversation through 10 practices — welcome news for fans who wanted the Eagles’ QB to use his legs more last season.

Everyone at the Jefferson Health Training Complex has noticed Hurts’ mobility, including the defensive staff and stars.

“He looks faster,” defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. “Obviously, we can’t touch him during practice so there’s always that debate whether you had him or not (for a sack). I think there’s been a few times where our guys think they had him, and they really didn’t.”

Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jalen Carter came into camp 10 pounds lighter, feeling fresh and moving well. But even the 25-year-old has had a hard time “sacking” Hurts.

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“I don’t know what it is,” Carter said, “but when I’m running (after him), it’s like a movie. It feels like I’m going slow. He be moving, man. He’s been working hard. He’s the one.”

Hurts’ dual-threat ability has been a key part of his rise as the Eagles’ franchise QB. But that aspect of his game was diminished last season, leaving many wanting more.

Through six NFL seasons, Hurts has rushed for 3,554 yards and 63 touchdowns on 779 carries. Last season, though, Hurts logged the fewest rushing attempts (105), yards (421) and touchdowns (eight) in a season since he became the full-time starter in 2021.

Hurts said consistently last season that he was willing to do whatever it took for the team to win. And yet, former offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo struggled to integrate Hurts’ running ability, and the offense struggled in part because of that reluctance.

Hurts, 28, is in the midst of a five-year contract extension worth $255 million that runs through the 2028 season. Some have wondered if Hurts’ declining rushing totals last year were tied to the Eagles’ long-term investment in him and his health.

But that doesn’t seem to faze Mannion. The Eagles’ first-year play-caller, has been installing his scheme, which operates primarily from under-center looks. But Mannion isn’t neglecting Hurts’ dual-threat skillset.

There have been several times this summer where Mannion has dialed up designed QB runs — draws, RPOs, bootlegs — for Hurts out of the shotgun and under center.

Factor in his growing comfort level with Mannion’s offense, it’s looking like Eagles fans could see a reinvigorated and more dangerous Hurts in 2026.

“He’s moving good, and I think he’s doing a nice job with the new offense,” Fangio said. “A lot has been made about him and all these coordinators he’s been with. But it’s basically been the same offense every year. This is different, and he’s done a great job with it.”

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