Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts scratched vs. Patriots due to stomach infection

PHILADELPHIA -- Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was a late scratch from Thursday's 35-0 preseason loss to the New England Patriots because of a stomach infection, the team said.

Hurts was taken to a local hospital to be evaluated after experiencing pain in his abdomen, according to coach Nick Sirianni. He has since left the hospital and "is fine now," Sirianni said.

Hurts was told to stay home and rest for at least two days. He tested negative for COVID-19, according to the Eagles.

"For a guy like that to tell us [he was in pain], he's a tough guy, so it must have been hurting him pretty good," Sirianni said. "He really wanted to play. And we decided it just wasn't in the best interest of the team and of him."

Hurts took part in warm-ups and appeared fine, even dancing between reps at times, but did not join his teammates on the sideline at the start of the game.

Veteran Joe Flacco got the start in Hurts' absence. The night got off to a rocky start, as backup center Nate Herbig sailed a snap over Flacco's head, resulting in a turnover. The Patriots scored two plays later on a Damien Harris rushing touchdown.

Flacco finished 10-of-17 for 83 yards and one interception.

Hurts was expected to play just a series or two. A number of starters got the night off, including Jason Kelce, Brandon Brooks, Lane Johnson, Fletcher Cox, Darius Slay and Brandon Graham.

Rookie receiver DeVonta Smith made his preseason debut after sitting out the opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers with an MCL sprain in his left knee.He caught two passes for 19 yards on Thursday night.

"It felt good to get back out there, get in a groove," Smith said. "I'm feeling good."