PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Eagles might face a challenging situation this Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, as they may be without both starting quarterback Jalen Hurts and backup Kenny Pickett due to injuries sustained during a recent game.
Hurts suffered a concussion early in the first quarter during a 13-yard run against the Washington Commanders. After being struck in the helmet by linebacker Frankie Luvu, he was required to go through a concussion evaluation protocol. Although Hurts initially seemed prepared to return, he was ultimately ruled out for the remainder of the game and taken to the locker room for deeper assessment.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni stated that Hurts is currently in the NFL concussion protocol and could not provide specific updates on his recovery process, emphasizing reliance on medical professionals for guidance. Sirianni acknowledged the unpredictability associated with head injuries, noting that Hurts had never previously been sidelined by a concussion throughout his NFL career.
Meanwhile, Pickett filled in for Hurts but also faced difficulty, suffering a rib injury in the fourth quarter. Despite this setback, he managed to continue playing, throwing a touchdown pass and showing resilience on the field. However, he will undergo testing to assess the extent of his injury.
If neither Hurts nor Pickett is available for the matchup against the Cowboys, third-string quarterback Tanner McKee, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 draft, is set to take over. Although McKee has yet to see action in a regular-season game, he is recognized as an emergency option and has received practice reps alongside both Hurts and Pickett.
Sirianni expressed confidence in McKee’s capabilities, emphasizing the preparedness both McKee and Pickett have demonstrated during team practices. The Eagles may also explore the option of signing another quarterback for their practice squad as a precautionary measure.
As the Eagles navigate through this challenging phase, fans remain hopeful for the quick recovery of Hurts and Pickett, knowing that the depth and training of the team’s quarterbacks might play a crucial role moving forward. With the season still unfolding, this could offer an opportunity for players to rise to the occasion and showcase their skills.
In summary, the Eagles are currently managing significant quarterback injuries, presenting an uncertain outlook as they gear up for a crucial game. Coaching decisions and team dynamics will play a vital role in their performance in the coming weeks.