Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said it will be difficult for quarterback Jalen Hurts to play in the upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
“He’s still in the (concussion) protocol, it’s going to be difficult for him to survive this week,” Sirianni told reporters during a news conference Friday.
Hurts suffered a concussion in the first quarter of the Eagles’ 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders last Sunday.
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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts watches before the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, on Sunday. (Images by Geoff Burke-Imagn)
The star quarterback was struggling on a second-and-20 when he hit his head on the ground while being tackled at the end of his 13-yard run. Hurts was evaluated on the sideline before being taken to the locker room and ruled out with a concussion.
The game against the Cowboys will be the first game Hurts misses this season.
Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett completed 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards with a touchdown and interception in relief of Hurts. Pickett, like Hurts, was also on the Eagles’ injury report this week with a rib injury.
However, Pickett said during a news conference Thursday that he will be “ready to go” on Sunday.
EAGLES’ JALEN HURTS RULED FOR MENTAL CONCUSSION IN FIRST QUARTER VS COMMANDERS
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts walks off the field during the first quarter of the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, on Sunday. (Peter Casey-Image Images)
Sirianni said he liked what Pickett did in practice this week.
“I think (Pickett) has had a good week of practice; he’s done a good job. And you know, he’s had some good practices and runs this week,” he said.
Philadelphia acquired Pickett from the Pittsburgh Steelers in March to back up Hurts. Now, the team’s playoff spot is in their hands.
The Eagles still have a long shot at the number one seed in the NFC, as they are currently 12-3, but both the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings are 13-2. Philadelphia would need help to clinch the top spot and the important bye week in the wild card round.
While the Eagles may be eyeing the No. 1 seed, the NFC East is still up for grabs after their loss to the Commanders on Sunday.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett runs with the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, on Sunday. (Peter Casey-Image Images)
If the Eagles lost their next two games and the Commanders won their next two, the NFC East would be decided based on tiebreakers.
The Eagles’ last two games are at home, as they play the Cowboys at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday and then the lowly New York Giants in Week 18.
The Commanders face a tougher schedule over the final two weeks of the regular season. They will play the Atlanta Falcons, who are fighting for their playoff lives, at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday, and then the Cowboys in Week 18.
