Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is inactive Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, but ESPN reported he will be available if needed in Week 18.

Hurts was a limited practice participant Thursday, the first time he has worked on the field since injuring his right shoulder against the Chicago Bears on Dec. 18.

Hurts missed the Eagles’ 40-34 loss to the Dallas Cowboys last Saturday due to the injury. Gardner Minshew filled in and threw for 355 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

That means Minshew will once again try to lock up the No. 1 seed and the NFC East division title Sunday when the Eagles (13-2) host the New Orleans Saints (6-9). A Philadelphia win would mean a playoff bye to the divisional round, in which case it seems unlikely the Eagles would risk putting Hurts on the field next weekend.

However, if the Eagles lose Sunday, Hurts will reportedly be ready to play in the final game of the regular season against the visiting New York Giants on Jan. 8.

Hurts is part of the conversation for NFL MVP honors due to his stellar season. He has passed for 3,472 yards, 22 touchdowns and five interceptions, and rushed for 747 yards and 13 scores in 14 games.

Also inactive Sunday for the Eagles are right tackle Lane Johnson, cornerback Avonte Maddox, running back Trey Sermon, defensive end Janarius Robinson and guard Sua Opeta.

For the Saints, wide receiver Chris Olave and cornerback Marshon Lattimore are both active Sunday.

New Orleans’ inactive players list includes receiver Marquez Callaway, defensive back Justin Evans, linebacker Chase Hansen, defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon, safety Marcus Maye, guard Andrus Peat and running back Dwayne Washington.

–Field Level Media