BREAKING NEWS: 21-Year-Old Georgian QB Named Starter as Eagles Star Jalen Hurts Suspended for the Rest of the Season
Philadelphia, PA – May 26, 2025
In one of the most unexpected developments of the 2025 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles have announced that star quarterback Jalen Hurts has been suspended for the remainder of the season,
with the suspension lasting until the start of the 2026 campaign. The organization confirmed the shocking news early Monday morning, just weeks ahead of a pivotal stretch in their playoff push.
To fill the void, the Eagles have named 21-year-old rookie quarterback Mikheil Bakuridze—a relatively unknown talent from the University of Georgia—as the team’s starting quarterback moving forward.
Jalen Hurts’ Sudden Suspension
The NFL released a brief statement Monday confirming Hurts’ suspension, citing “a violation of personal conduct policies” but withholding further details pending ongoing review. Neither the team nor the league has elaborated publicly on the exact nature of the violation, though multiple league sources suggest that the matter involved both internal team codes of conduct and broader NFL regulations.
Hurts, a two-time Pro Bowler and MVP finalist, has been the centerpiece of the Eagles’ offense since taking over full-time in 2021. His leadership, dual-threat ability, and work ethic have earned him admiration across the league and helped guide the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2022 season.
Fans, teammates, and analysts were left stunned by Monday’s announcement.
“This one caught us all off guard,” said ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “Whatever the nature of the incident was, it had to be serious enough for the league to move swiftly. This is a massive blow to Philadelphia’s season.”
Enter Mikheil Bakuridze
The Eagles have now turned to a new face—rookie quarterback Mikheil Bakuridze, a 21-year-old native of Tbilisi, Georgia. While largely overlooked during the 2025 NFL Draft process, Bakuridze earned a spot on the Eagles’ practice squad during training camp.
His strong arm, pocket composure, and surprising football IQ impressed head coach Nick Sirianni and offensive coordinator Brian Johnson during preseason evaluations.
Bakuridze, who played one season of college football at the University of Georgia after transferring from a developmental league in Europe, now finds himself at the helm of one of the NFL’s most high-pressure franchises.
“We believe in Mikheil,” Sirianni said during Monday’s press conference. “He’s been working hard behind the scenes, absorbing the playbook, and showing great maturity for someone his age. He’s earned this opportunity, and we’re going to rally behind him.”
According to team insiders, Bakuridze took first-team reps in practice last week as the team anticipated potential disciplinary actions looming over Hurts.
Team Reaction and Fan Response
Teammates expressed support for Hurts while also committing to rallying around the young quarterback stepping in.
“We love Jalen and we’re praying for him,” said Eagles center Jason Kelce. “But this team is about resilience, and Mikheil’s got that spark. We’re ready to keep pushing forward.”
Wide receiver A.J. Brown echoed that sentiment, telling reporters, “We’ve got a job to do. Mikheil’s hungry, and we’re not letting this season slip away.”
Across Philadelphia, the fan base reacted with a mix of disbelief and cautious optimism.
“I can’t believe Jalen’s out,” said longtime Eagles fan Lisa Romano outside Lincoln Financial Field. “But if this kid from Georgia can sling the ball and lead us to wins, I’m all in.”
What’s Next for the Eagles?
With Hurts sidelined, the Eagles must now recalibrate their offensive approach around Bakuridze, who brings a different style to the position. While he lacks Hurts’ elite mobility, coaches believe he has the arm talent to attack defenses vertically and command the offense with poise.
Philadelphia (currently 5–2) sits in second place in the NFC East and faces a crucial matchup this Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. The game will mark Bakuridze’s NFL debut as a starter, placing him directly under the national spotlight.
NFL analysts have already begun drawing comparisons to other young quarterbacks who’ve had unexpected opportunities—such as Brock Purdy’s breakout with the 49ers in 2022.
“This could be another Purdy-type story,” said NFL Network’s Rich Eisen. “No one saw him coming, and look what happened. It’s Mikheil’s time now.”
Final Thoughts
While the sudden suspension of Jalen Hurts has undoubtedly shaken the Eagles organization, it has also opened the door for a remarkable underdog story. Mikheil Bakuridze now carries the hopes of a passionate fan base and a franchise eager to stay in the playoff hunt.
Whether he will rise to the occasion or crumble under the pressure remains to be seen—but in a city that loves its grit and glory, the stage is set for a new chapter in Philadelphia Eagles history.
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