The Philadelphia Eagles entered Week 16 of the NFL season with a chance to lock up the NFC East with a win over the Washington Commanders.
However, Washington’s dramatic 36-33 win — led by five touchdown passes from Jayden Daniels — kept the Commanders alive in the NFC East title race. Now with Week 17 upon us, and Philadelphia and Washington facing pivotal games, the Eagles may be without starting quarterback Jalen Hurts when they take on the Dallas Cowboys.
Jalen Hurts injury status
Hurts exited last Sunday’s game against the Commanders early with a head injury and was replaced by Kenny Pickett for the remainder of the contest. According to head coach Nick Sirianni on Friday, the starting QB remains in concussion protocol, and it is “going to be tough” for Hurts to play this weekend:
“It’s going to be tough for him to make it.”
—Nick Sirianni on Jalen Hurts, who is still in concussion protocol. Sounds like it’ll be Kenny Pickett at QB for the #Eagles vs. the Cowboys. pic.twitter.com/86AXiooc5b
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) December 27, 2024
While Pickett threw a touchdown pass to A.J. Brown shortly after entering the game, the Philadelphia backup also threw an interception and finished the game connecting on 14-of-24 passes for just 143 yards, the touchdown and the interception.
The Eagles can still clinch the NFC East this weekend with a win or a tie against the Cowboys, or a Washington loss or tie against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football. But it is looking more and more likely that it will be Pickett under center for Philadelphia against Dallas this weekend.
Pickett himself is banged up, as he suffered a rib injury against Washington. Pickett was listed as limited in practice earlier this week and was seen wearing extra protection around his ribs.
Jalen Hurts fantasy football impact
For those who are in their fantasy football championship weeks, and have Hurts on their roster, you might want to explore backup options this week. While Pickett is in line to start for Hurts, you will want to look elsewhere for a replacement.
Just remember that there are three games on Saturday — Chargers-Patriots, Broncos-Bengals, and Rams-Cardinals — so if you make a move, the time is now if it involves one of the QBs in those games.
