The NFC playoff race intensified after the Washington Commanders secured a thrilling 36-33 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16. This win keeps Washington’s hopes alive for the NFC East title while significantly hindering Philadelphia’s aspirations for the NFC’s No. 1 seed.
The Eagles not only suffered the defeat but also faced serious concerns over their quarterback situation. Starting quarterback Jalen Hurts left the game due to a concussion, and backup Kenny Pickett sustained a rib injury, raising questions about Philadelphia’s playoff prospects. A prolonged absence for Hurts would be a significant setback, and if Pickett is also sidelined, it could jeopardize the team’s chances of securing a division title.
In other injury news throughout the league, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen experienced a hand injury during their comeback victory against the New England Patriots. Allen reported losing feeling in his throwing hand after a hit to his elbow but managed to complete the game, helping the Bills achieve a 12-3 record and secure the AFC East title. Meanwhile, the Steelers are hopeful for the return of George Pickens, their leading receiver, just in time for a challenging Christmas Day match against the 14-1 Kansas City Chiefs, who are aiming to solidify their position as the top seed in the AFC.
Coach Nick Sirianni did not provide updates on Hurts after the game, but he will need to pass through a five-step concussion protocol to be eligible for Week 17 against the Cowboys. Pickett, who underwent X-rays after the game, expressed optimism about being ready for the next matchup.
This situation draws parallels to a notable past event when Carson Wentz was a frontrunner for the 2017 NFL MVP award until an injury derailed his season, ultimately leading to Nick Foles stepping in and leading the Eagles to their first Super Bowl victory.
With the Steelers’ playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the potential return of key players like Pickens and others could reinvigorate the team. While the road ahead poses challenges, these developments may serve as a turning point for teams in pursuit of postseason success.
Hope remains strong for the Eagles and Steelers as they navigate their respective challenges, and fans will be watching closely to see how these storylines unfold in the upcoming weeks.