Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts remains in concussion protocol, raising doubts about his availability for the crucial game against Dallas this Sunday.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni expressed concerns on Friday regarding Jalen Hurts’ chances of playing against Dallas due to a head injury sustained in a recent game against Washington. The injury occurred when Hurts’ head made contact with the ground during a run, and he was further hit by Washington’s linebacker Frankie Luvu.
Currently, the Eagles are closely monitoring Hurts’ condition, relying on daily updates from the medical team. If Hurts does not clear the protocol, the team will turn to backup quarterback Kenny Pickett. Pickett, who is recovering from a rib injury, is set to make his first start as an Eagle, should Hurts be unable to play.
Pickett, who grew up in New Jersey, shared his excitement about possibly starting at Lincoln Financial Field. “I’ve been working hard to stay ready,” he remarked, highlighting the opportunity as significant given his history with the stadium as a fan. Pickett, who joined the Eagles from Pittsburgh, was a first-round pick in 2022. His brief appearance against Washington saw him complete 14 of 24 passes, including a touchdown but also an interception.
Meanwhile, the team has promoted Tanner McKee to the backup position, with Ian Book also joining the practice squad. This strategic move indicates the Eagles’ preparation for any eventuality regarding Hurts’ health.
There’s a precedent for quick recovery from similar injuries, as seen with Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence last season, who managed to return just a week after his concussion protocol entry. However, the Eagles might opt for caution, ensuring Hurts is fully recovered before letting him back on the field, considering their need for one more win against either Dallas or the New York Giants to clinch the NFC East title and secure the No. 2 seed in the conference.
Hurts has been a key player, recovering from a slow start this season to become a cornerstone for the Eagles’ offensive strategy. With 18 touchdown passes against five interceptions and 14 rushing touchdowns, his performance has been pivotal in positioning the Eagles as serious contenders for the Super Bowl. The team previously benefitted from this depth when Nick Foles led them to a Super Bowl victory after Carson Wentz’s injury.
Therefore, while the prospect of playing without Hurts is daunting, the Eagles have a history of resilience in such situations.
As the Eagles strategize for the upcoming clash with Dallas, the uncertainty surrounding Jalen Hurts’ participation highlights the team’s cautious approach to player health and the importance of depth in their roster.
Source: News4jax
