In the end, the Philadelphia Eagles didn’t have to make an injury designation regarding franchise quarterback Jalen Hurts.
The team’s concussion specialist did that for them.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts
© Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Hurts did not clear the concussion protocol in time for the team in preparation for their Sunday showdown against the Dallas Cowboys and is now officially out. It will be the first game Hurts misses since a shoulder injury cost him two games at the end of the 2022 season.
Said coach Nick Sirianni on Friday: “It’s going to be tough for him to make it this week.”
Hurts suffered his concussion during the Eagles‘ 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders last week. Hurts was hit from behind on a scramble play and was replaced by backup quarterback Kenny Pickett.
It will be Pickett who gets the start for Philadelphia against the Cowboys.
Philadelphia’s quarterback concerns have grown in recent weeks since Hurts’ injury. The Eagles need a win in the final two games of the season to wrap up the NFC East as well as the second overall seed in the conference.
A win against the Cowboys would keep the team in contention for the top seed in the NFC as well.
It’s what makes Hurts’ concussion so ill-timed and detrimental moving forward for the Eagles. They have not clinched their division yet – and with the Cowboys playing better as the weeks roll on, could very well be in a case where they have to play their starters in Week 18.
A win could very well end any concern moving forward, but Hurts’ absence will only increase concern for the team’s fanbase moving into the last parts of the season.
