Eagles coach Nick Sirianni gives huge Jalen Hurts update after scary head injury forced QB out of last game
Jalen Hurts is unlikely to be available for the Philadelphia Eagles against the Dallas Cowboys this weekend, head coach Nick Sirianni has revealed.
Hurts was taken to the locker room with a concussion just minutes after Sunday’s loss to the Washington Commanders after being crushed at the end of a 13-yard run.
In addition to taking a blow to the helmet, the 26-year-old’s head also appeared to hit the ground after Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu’s hit, forcing him to leave the game and be replaced at quarterback by Kenny Pickett.
Ahead of their crucial showdown with the Cowboys in Philadelphia, Sirianni told reporters on Friday that Hurts remains in the concussion protocol and is therefore expected to miss Sunday’s game.
“It’s going to be tough for him to make it this week,” he said of his first-choice quarterback.
The Eagles will again rely on Pickett if he is not allowed to play due to the lingering effects of the concussion he suffered against Washington.
It is unlikely that Jalen Hurts will be available for the Philadelphia Eagles against the Dallas Cowboys
Sirianni said they would lean on the medical staff daily to know where Hurts — who threw two touchdowns — was passes and ran for a pair of scores in the first meeting against Dallas in November – was recovering from the head injury.
The two-time Pro Bowler did not practice this week, leaving Pickett – who suffered a rib injury in relief action against the Commanders – in line for his first start as an Eagle.
Pickett was 14 of 24 for 143 yards against Washington and threw a touchdown pass to AJ Brown and an interception.
Pickett is from New Jersey and said when he was acquired from Pittsburgh that he had “great memories” of going to games at Lincoln Financial Field with his father and grandfather since he was five. The chance to run out of the home team’s tunnel – which he could get on Sunday if he is indeed the starting QB – disappeared and he was absolutely thrilled with it.
“It’s a great opportunity,” he said this week. “I’ve been working hard to stay ready. I felt like I was in a good position with my preparation last match. Now that I have a week to practice, I will feel even better when I enter the stadium.”
Pickett, a first-round pick out of Pitt in 2022, went 14-10 as a starter for the Steelers.