Jalen Hurts is still in the NFL’s concussion protocol, meaning the Philadelphia Eagles will have to play against Dallas without their starting quarterback.
Hurts remains sidelined due to the ongoing effects of a concussion he suffered in a game against Washington. He was injured early when his head hit the ground on one play and was later hit in the helmet by linebacker Frankie Luvu during another.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni stated the team would rely on the medical staff daily to assess Hurts’ recovery. Hurts, who threw two touchdown passes and ran for two more in the first matchup against Dallas in November, did not practice this week.
This leaves backup Kenny Pickett in line to start on Sunday, even though Pickett had a rib injury from playing in relief during the Commanders game.
Pickett completed 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards against Washington, including a touchdown pass to A.J. Brown and one interception.
Originally from New Jersey, Pickett shared that he has fond memories of attending games at Lincoln Financial Field with his father and grandfather since he was five. The chance to run out of the home team’s tunnel as the starting quarterback left him excited.
“It’s a big opportunity,” Pickett said. “I’ve been working hard to stay ready. I felt like I was in a good position last game with my preparation. Now, having a week to practice, I’ll feel even better going into the stadium.”
Pickett, a first-round pick from Pitt in 2022, started 14 games for the Steelers, with a 14-10 record.
With Hurts out, the Eagles have moved third-stringer Tanner McKee to backup, and they signed quarterback Ian Book to the practice squad this week.
There are examples of quarterbacks returning the week after entering concussion protocol. Last season, Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence suffered a head injury in Week 15 against Baltimore but was cleared in time to start the next game.
The Eagles (12-3) might decide to rest Hurts for safety reasons, as a win against Dallas or the New York Giants would clinch the NFC East title and the No. 2 seed in the NFC.
Hurts has had an impressive season, throwing 18 touchdowns and only five interceptions. His rushing game, including 14 rushing touchdowns, has played a major role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl contention. In 2017, the Eagles won the Super Bowl with backup quarterback Nick Foles, who stepped in after starter Carson Wentz was injured.
