PHILADELPHIA — Jalen Hurts remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol, which means the Philadelphia Eagles will go up against the Dallas Cowboys without their starting quarterback this Sunday.
The Eagles are set to rely on backup quarterback Kenny Pickett, as Hurts continues to grapple with the aftereffects of a concussion sustained during a game against Washington.
Hurts suffered the injury early when he hit his head on the ground during a scramble, and he later took a blow to the helmet from Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu.
Head coach Nick Sirianni stated that the coaching staff would consult with the medical team each day to assess Hurts’ recovery progress. In their previous matchup against Dallas in November, Hurts had an impressive performance, throwing two touchdown passes and rushing for two more scores.
The 26-year-old quarterback did not participate in practice this week, which opens the door for Pickett to make his first start for the Eagles. Pickett, who had been dealing with a rib injury incurred while filling in for Hurts, previously completed 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards, including a touchdown pass to A.J. Brown, while also throwing an interception against the Commanders.
Originally from New Jersey, Pickett has fond memories of attending games at Lincoln Financial Field as a child with his father and grandfather, making the opportunity to take the field as a starter particularly special for him.
“Being able to run out of the home team tunnel is exhilarating,” Pickett noted this week. “It’s a significant opportunity. I’ve been committed to staying prepared. After practicing for a full week, I believe I will be in a better position as we head into the game.”
Pickett was selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Pittsburgh and has a record of 14 wins and 10 losses as a starter for the Steelers.
The Eagles have moved third-string quarterback Tanner McKee into the backup role and signed QB Ian Book to the practice squad in the interim.
Historically, there have been instances where quarterbacks have returned to action just one week after entering the league’s concussion protocol. For example, Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence experienced a head injury late in a game against Baltimore last season but was cleared in time to play in the following matchup against Tampa Bay.
As the Eagles prepare for the contest, which is crucial for their playoff positioning, they may opt to be cautious and rest Hurts. The team needs a victory over either the Cowboys or the New York Giants to secure the NFC East title and the second seed in the NFC playoffs.
After a slow start to the season, Hurts has bounced back, throwing 18 touchdown passes against only five interceptions, establishing the Eagles as strong Super Bowl contenders. His performance includes a remarkable 14 rushing touchdowns this season, a feat often attributed to their successful “tush push” strategy.
The Philadelphia Eagles previously captured the Super Bowl title for the 2017 season, largely due to the efforts of backup quarterback Nick Foles, following an injury to starter Carson Wentz late in the season.
