It is looking less likely that Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts will play on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.
According to ESPN Eagles/NFL reporter Tim McManus, head coach Nick Sirianni said “it’s going to be tough for him to make it this week” when speaking to reporters about Hurts on Friday.
Sirianni confirmed that Hurts is still in concussion protocol after getting injured in the team’s Week 16 loss to division-rival Washington. Hurts was hit by LB Frankie Luvu before his head collided with the turf after a 13-yard run in the first quarter.
Although Hurts’ injury opens the door for backup QB Kenny Pickett to start on Sunday, the third-year QB is not entirely healthy, either.
Pickett completed 14 of his 24 pass attempts for 143 yards with one touchdown and one interception in relief of Hurts vs. the Commanders. Pickett suffered a rib injury when he was taken down by Commanders LB Bobby Wagner late in the fourth quarter in the 36-33 loss.
While Pickett is in line to start if Hurts cannot go, he will not be 100%. Tanner McKee, the sixth-round pick out of Stanford in 2023, would serve as Pickett’s backup.
The Eagles have the Cowboys (7-8) and New York Giants (2-13) remaining on their schedule, and both of those matchups are at home. That is not a daunting task, but the health of Hurts going forward is crucial toward Philadelphia’s success. Not only has Hurts passed for 2,903 yards and 18 touchdowns, but he has also rushed for 630 yards and a team-high 14 touchdowns on the ground.
With the loss to Washington in Week 16, the Eagles (12-3) are one game back of the Detroit Lions (13-2) and Minnesota Vikings (13-2) for the best record in the NFC. A lot would have to go right for Philadelphia to clinch the best record in the conference with only two games left to play.
The division race, however, is in favor of the Eagles. With a two-game lead over the Commanders (10-5), a win over the Cowboys on Sunday would clinch the NFC East title and home-field advantage for Philadelphia on Super Wild Card weekend at the least.
The stakes could not be higher on Sunday as the Eagles try to clinch the division title with their star QB likely on the sidelines.
