Be More NewsJalen Hurts Injury Update for Week 17 vs. Cowboys
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is out for Week 17 against the Cowboys due to a concussion. Kenny Pickett will start in his place.
Jalen Hurts Out for Week 17 Against Cowboys
As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for their critical Week 17 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, the biggest question on fans' minds remains: Is Jalen Hurts playing tonight? Unfortunately for the Eagles, the answer is a resounding no.
Following a head injury that resulted in a concussion during a recent game against the Washington Commanders, Hurts has been ruled out by head coach Nick Sirianni. He suffered this concussion after scrambling for a 13-yard gain in the first quarter. Despite initially appearing unharmed, Hurts was quickly sent for evaluation and diagnosed with a concussion, subsequently getting ruled out for the rest of the game.
The Concussion Protocol and Hurts' Status
Currently, Hurts remains in the NFL's five-step concussion protocol, which is designed to ensure player safety after head injuries. The five steps include:
- Symptom-limited activity
- Aerobic exercise
- Football-specific exercise
- Club-based non-contact training drills
- Full football activity/clearance
This protocol means that while Hurts may eventually return to the field, it is unlikely to happen in time for this pivotal game. With the playoffs looming, fans are hoping for a speedy recovery. Sirianni emphasized that every concussion is unique and recovery time varies from player to player, making it challenging to predict Hurts’ timeline for return.
Kenny Pickett: Stepping Up for the Eagles
Replacing Hurts will be Kenny Pickett, a promising quarterback who joined the Eagles after a stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pickett has gained experience during crucial moments, especially after Hurts exited during last week’s game against the Commanders. In that game, he effectively led the Eagles on several scoring drives but ultimately fell short.
| Performance Highlights: |
|---|
| - Pickett completed multiple drives after Hurts went out. |
| - He recorded his first touchdown pass for the Eagles in that game. |
| - Overall, Pickett showcased resilience despite the team's defeat. |
Despite some initial injury concerns of his own, Pickett has stated he feels ready for the challenge ahead and will look to bolster the Eagles' chances against the Cowboys. He was a full participant in practice on Thursday and expressed confidence in his ability to perform under pressure.
Implications for the Eagles’ Playoff Hunt
With Hurts out, the dynamics of the Eagles’ offense will shift significantly. The Eagles are currently in a position where they must win against the Cowboys to keep their playoff hopes alive. They lead the NFC East but risk losing their grip if they drop this crucial game. The potential playoff picture is complicated further by the fact that the Washington Commanders could seize the division title if favorable circumstances arise.
In past seasons, Dallas has proven a formidable opponent, making this game particularly important not only for the standings but also for momentum heading into the postseason. The Eagles have a chance to clinch the division title if they win and if the Commanders lose against the Falcons.
Conclusion
As of now, it’s confirmed that Jalen Hurts is not playing tonight. With the situation evolving rapidly, fans are eager to see how Kenny Pickett will perform against a tough Cowboys defense. The implications of this game extend far beyond just this week, as it could have a lasting impact on the Eagles' playoff positioning and aspirations.
Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s hope for a swift recovery for Hurts so that he can contribute in the postseason. For now, all eyes will be on Pickett as he leads the Eagles against a division rival.
