Philadelphia star quarterback Jalen Hurts remains in concussion protocol and has been ruled for Sunday’s game against the visiting Dallas Cowboys, with the Eagles expected to start Kenny Pickett.
Hurts missed practice all week, and head coach Nick Sirianni confirmed before Friday’s session that Hurts remains in the concussion protocol, adding, “It’s going to be tough for him to make it this week.”
Hurts and Pickett (ribs) were both injured during last weekend’s 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders, but Pickett was a full participant in Thursday’s practice and was limited on Friday. The Eagles also have Tanner McKee as the emergency third quarterback and signed Ian Book to the practice squad this week.
Pickett, who grew up as an Eagles fan in Ocean Township, N.J., will have a chance to help Philadelphia (12-3) clinch the NFC East title in his first start for the franchise.
“I’m very excited. It’s a big opportunity,” he told reporters Thursday. “I’ve been working hard to stay ready and I felt like I was in a good position last game with my preparation and now having a week to practice, I’ll feel even better going into the stadium. So, I’m excited. I just want to get the win.”
Pickett relieved Hurts in the first quarter against Washington and completed 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Prior to that, he had appeared in three games in mop-up duty.
“He’s done a great job,” Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown said on Friday. “He did a great job last week. I know he had a few hiccups, but overall he’s doing a great job. It’s not his first rodeo. We have a lot of confidence in him, I do, and I’m excited.
“(He’s) poised, confident. He comes in, he’s commanding the huddle and that’s what you want to see.”
Pickett, 26, compiled a 14-10 record as the starter for the Steelers from 2022-23 after being drafted by Pittsburgh in the first round (20th overall) in 2022.
After the Steelers acquired Russell Wilson in March, Pickett was traded along with a 2024 fourth-round pick to the Eagles in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick and two 2025 seventh-rounders.
Pickett has completed 62.3 percent of his pass attempts for 4,622 yards with 14 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 29 career games. He has rushed for 303 yards and four scores.
Hurts, 26, has completed 68.7 percent of his passes this season for 2,903 yards with 18 TDs and five picks in 15 starts. He has rushed for 630 yards and is tied for the NFL lead with 14 rushing touchdowns.
–Field Level Media
