On Thursday, Eagles starting quarterback Jalen Hurts(concussion) was not at practice as he is still in concussion protocol, so it appears at this point, that Hurts, who has not practiced all week, will probably not play on Sunday when the Eagles(12-3) host the Dallas Cowboys(7-8).
However, Hurts’ backup, Kenny Pickett(ribs), was a full participant, and if Hurts can’t go, Pickett will be the guy. Still, as of now, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni has not declared who the starter will be on Sunday, which he acknowledged is part gamesmanship and uncertainty with Hurts.
“I’m still waiting to find out,” Sirianni said Thursday. “Probably a little bit of both, to be quite honest with you. A little bit of both, but still waiting to find out. “Again, as you guys know, when you’re in concussion protocol, I have no say in that, and Jalen has no say in that. That’s completely up to the doctors, as it should be.”
On Friday, Sirianni confirmed that Hurts is still in concussion protocol, and he said there’s a good chance he won’t be available to face Dallas.
“He’s still in the protocol,” Sirianni said. “It’s going be tough for him to make it this week.”
Last week, Pickett came off the bench, and he wasn’t bad. He was 14/24 for 143 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. This time, he had a whole week of preparation, which should help.
Sirianni says he’s comfortable with Pickett as the starter.
“When [QB] Jalen [Hurts] was out in our game this week, he wasn’t the first starter to have to miss some time,” Sirianni said. “That’s the great part about the team, you hate when you lose a guy and they’re not able to go, but it gives other people opportunities to step in and play. I think that’s what’s happened consistently here this year from [T] Fred Johnson to [CB] Isaiah Rodgers to [TE] Grant Calcaterra.
“I’m excited about this team. I’m excited about the depth we have, and [QB] Kenny [Pickett] is included in that.”
Pickett has a great opportunity this week. He has a chance to help the Eagles clinch the NFC East and keep the team in contention for the number one seed in the NFC; we’ll see if he can get the job done against the Cowboys.
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