Jalen Hurts still in concussion protocol, will miss game vs Cowboys

Coach Nick Sirianni announced that Kenny Pickett will start this Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys as Jalen Hurts continues his recovery from a concussion. Hurts remains in the protocol, and Sirianni mentioned, "It's going to be tough for him to make it this week," just before Hurts was officially ruled out. Hurts left last week's game against the Washington Commanders early in the first quarter after a collision with the turf while being tackled by linebacker Frankie Luvu following a 13-yard run. Pickett stepped in for Hurts, completing 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards, along with one touchdown and one interception, in a close 36-33 defeat. In the fourth quarter, Pickett sustained a rib injury when linebacker Bobby Wagner brought him down in the backfield. Although he stayed in the game, he underwent X-rays immediately after and had follow-up tests on Monday. While he didn't disclose the results, Pickett mentioned that the injury is something he will have to manage and plans to wear extra padding around his ribs in addition to his usual flak jacket on game day.

Tanner McKee will take on the role of the backup quarterback behind Pickett. A sixth-round draft pick from Stanford in 2023, McKee has shown promise during training camp and preseason games over the last two seasons. He has been practicing taking snaps from center Cam Jurgens this week, so he will be prepared if called upon during Sunday’s game. Following the loss to the Commanders, the Eagles' chances of clinching the top seed in the NFC have dropped to 4%, according to NFL NextGen Stats. However, Philadelphia can still secure the division title with a win over Dallas or if the Commanders lose or tie against the Atlanta Falcons.