As expected, quarterback Jalen Hurts is out for the Philadelphia Eagles‘ Week 17 game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Hurts has been in the NFL’s concussion protocol since Week 16, when his head hit the ground during a tackle by the Washington Commanders’ Frankie Luvu.
Fortunately for the Eagles, backup quarterback Kenny Pickett, who was listed as questionable for Week 17 after suffering a rib injury in the loss to the Commanders, is available and will start in Hurts’ place.
Playoff Picture
The 12-3 Eagles are playoff-bound. But what remains up in the air are the NFC and NFC East crowns.
Philadelphia trails the NFC leaders Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings, both at 13-2. Chasing the Eagles are none other than the 10-5 Commanders, who sidelined Hurts and hope that Philadelphia can suffer two consecutive losses to close out the season.
But the Eagles have a favorable schedule for Weeks 17 and 18. After facing the 7-8 Cowboys, who are without Dak Prescott, the Eagles close out the 2024 season against the 2-13 New York Giants — the NFL’s worst team.
The Giants are in tank mode, hoping to secure the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and select between Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders as their future quarterback.
Hurts Progress
The NFL’s concussion protocol consists of five steps: rest, aerobic exercise, football-specific drills, non-contact training, and clearance for full football activity — including contact practice — by a physician and an independent neurological consultant.
Hurts did not take part in practice this week. The Eagles have also not offered information as to whether he completed the four preceding steps in the concussion protocol.
Ultimately, the big picture question for the Eagles is whether Hurts will be ready for a likely Wild Card matchup two weekends from now.
Can Saquon Carry the Eagles?
Running back Saquon Barkley, who looks to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record today, will be carrying the Eagles’ offense without Hurts.
But part of Barkley’s success with the Eagles has been his pairing with the dual-threat Hurts. Without the Eagles’ star quarterback on the field, opponents’ defenses can focus on Barkley — as the Commanders did after Hurts’ exit in Week 16.
With Hurts in the game, Barkley had a massive first quarter last Sunday. He rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns in the opening quarter. After Hurts was taken out, Barkley only added 41 more yards over the next three quarters.
The bottom line: the absence of Hurts hurts the Eagles and their prospects for going deep in the playoffs.
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