Eagles Face Quarterback Dilemma as Pickett Prepares to Start Against Cowboys
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles are in a bit of a bind as they prepare for their upcoming clash with the Dallas Cowboys. With their star quarterback Jalen Hurts still recovering from a concussion, head coach Nick Sirianni has indicated that Kenny Pickett will be stepping up to the plate this Sunday.
In a press conference on Friday, Sirianni shared, “[Hurts] is still in the protocol. It’s going to be tough for him to make it this week.” This statement has left Eagles fans on edge, as Hurts’ absence could significantly impact the team’s performance against their division rivals.
Hurts’ injury occurred during last week’s game against the Washington Commanders. It was a tough moment for the Eagles when Hurts had to leave the field midway through the first quarter. The incident happened after his head collided with the turf following a hit by linebacker Frankie Luvu during a 13-yard run.
With Hurts sidelined, Pickett took over and delivered a performance that was a mixed bag. He completed 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception in what ended up being a narrow 36-33 loss for the Eagles.
However, Pickett’s time on the field wasn’t without its own challenges. In the fourth quarter, he sustained a rib injury after being tackled in the backfield by linebacker Bobby Wagner. Despite the injury, Pickett remained in the game, showing resilience and determination. He underwent X-rays immediately after the game and had follow-up tests on Monday.
While Pickett has not disclosed the specific results of these tests, he did mention that the injury is “something that I’m going to have to deal with.” To protect himself, he plans to wear additional padding around his ribs, along with the flak jacket he typically wears on game days.
In the event that Pickett is unable to play or needs to be substituted, the Eagles have a backup plan. Tanner McKee is set to be the No. 2 quarterback. McKee, a sixth-round pick from Stanford in 2023, has been turning heads with his impressive performances in training camp and preseason games over the past two seasons. This week, he has been practicing taking snaps from center Cam Jurgens, ensuring he’s ready if called upon during Sunday’s game.
The stakes are high for the Eagles as they head into this crucial matchup. According to NextGen Stats, their chances of securing the top seed in the NFC have plummeted to 4% following their loss to the Commanders. However, all hope is not lost. The Eagles can still clinch the division with a victory over the Cowboys or if the Commanders lose or tie against the Atlanta Falcons.
- Jalen Hurts is still in concussion protocol.
- Kenny Pickett will start against the Dallas Cowboys.
- Pickett sustained a rib injury but plans to play.
- Tanner McKee is the backup quarterback.
- Eagles’ NFC top seed chances are at 4%.
As the Eagles prepare for this pivotal game, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Pickett will perform under pressure and whether McKee might get his chance to shine. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for the Eagles’ playoff hopes, making it a must-watch for NFL enthusiasts.
Originally Written by: Tim McManus
