The Philadelphia Eagles could be without their star quarterback in Week 17. Jalen Hurts is in concussion protocol and in danger of missing Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Jalen Hurts In Concussion Protocol
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay Kickoff with @TomPelissero: #Eagles QB Jalen Hurts unlikely to play on Sunday; #Panthers relishing spoiler role; A look at the #Bears HC opening and how attractive a job it is. pic.twitter.com/CSYICe81g4
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2024
Hurts suffered the head injury in the first quarter of the Eagles’ Week 16 loss to the Washington Commanders.
Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett replaced Hurts, finishing the game with 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Pickett did enough to win the game, but a dropped pass by DeVonta Smith ended the Eagles’ chance to ice the game.
The Commanders drove down the field and scored the game-winning touchdown to win 36-33.
Hurts did not practice on Thursday and remains in concussion protocol. By missing practice, it is highly unlikely that Hurts will play on Sunday.
Pickett is dealing with a rib injury. However, Pickett practiced on Thursday, putting him in line to start against the Cowboys barring a setback.
If Hurts or Pickett can’t play, Tanner McKee or the recently signed Ian Book would start.
Nick Sirianni on if the Ian Book signing is related to Jalen Hurts’ concussion and what he was willing to say about the overall status of Hurts: pic.twitter.com/HsCe6OpQdt
— Marc Farzetta (@MarcFarzetta) December 26, 2024
Eagles Postseason Scenarios
The #Eagles are signing QB Ian Book to the practice squad following his visit yesterday, sources say.
Jalen Hurts (concussion) was listed as DNP on yesterday’s projected practice report while Kenny Pickett (ribs) was limited. Tanner McKee and Book now also available. pic.twitter.com/do3goNUWlq
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 26, 2024
With the loss to the Commanders, the Eagles fell to 12-3. Philadelphia remains the No. 2 seed in the NFC.
While the Eagles have clinched a playoff berth, the NFC East is still up for grabs.
The easiest way for the Eagles to clinch the division is to beat the Cowboys. The Eagles can also clinch the NFC East with a Commanders’ loss or tie.
If the Eagles lose and the Commanders win, the Eagles will go into Week 18 with the same division-clinching scenario as Week 17.
The Eagles host the Cowboys (7-8) on Dec. 29 at 1 p.m. ET.
