Philadelphia Eagles starting quarterback Jalen Hurts is still in concussion protocol, coach Nick Sirianni said during a news conference Friday, setting up backup quarterback Kenny Pickett to make his first start of the season.
Hurts exited last Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders during Philadelphia’s second drive and was later ruled out with a concussion.
“He’s still in the protocol,” Sirianni told reporters Friday. “It’s going to be tough for him to make it this week.”
Nick Sirianni says Jalen Hurts is still in concussion protocol.
“It’s going to be tough for him to make it this week.”
Kenny Pickett is poised to make his first start in 2024. pic.twitter.com/EK5vesL1Ql
— Brooks Kubena (@BKubena) December 27, 2024
Pickett, who was traded to the Eagles in March, will likely assume the starting role against the visiting Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
The 26-year-old has appeared in four games for Philadelphia in 2024, including playing three-plus quarters of last Sunday’s 36-33 loss to the Commanders. He completed 14-of-24 passes for 143 yards and a first-quarter touchdown to A.J. Brown, and threw one interception in the game. Pickett was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday’s practice report, but was a full participant Thursday.
GO DEEPER
Eagles QB Hurts enters concussion protocol, no update on Pickett
A first-round pick by Pittsburgh in 2022, Pickett played for the Steelers for his first two seasons, throwing for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 25 appearances.
Hurts has started each of Philadelphia’s 15 games this season, throwing for 2,903 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions, while also rushing for 630 yards and 14 touchdowns on 150 carries.
The Eagles (12-3) have already clinched a trip to the playoffs, and hold a two-win lead in the NFC East with two regular-season games to play.
GO DEEPER
Eagles have contingency plan in place if Jalen Hurts is unable to play vs. Cowboys
Pickett to gain valuable experience
With Friday’s update on Hurts, Sirianni all but confirmed what was expected. No Eagles player in 2024 had missed Wednesday and Thursday practices in concussion protocol and played in that week’s game.
Hurts has started in 33 straight regular season games, but the Eagles have long established contingency plans behind him. Pickett has taken first-team reps throughout practice this week.
Although Sirianni had expressed confidence that Hurts could play without practicing, offensive coordinator Kellen Moore said Tuesday that, of course, there’s an advantage in playing the quarterback who’s practiced all week. Pickett’s expected start comes at a time when the Eagles still have yet to clinch the NFC East title. But they’ll secure the division regardless of how Sunday turns out if the Commanders lose or tie this weekend.
The NFC’s No. 1 seed is a lofty expectation at this point, so the consequence of Pickett’s spot start could only be that Philadelphia’s backup gets some experience before a postseason run with high expectations. Given that the Eagles won their only Super Bowls with a backup QB, they know how vital such experience can be. — Brooks Kubena, Eagles beat writer
Required reading
(Photo: Scott Taetsch / Getty Images)
