Why isn’t Jalen Hurts playing for the Eagles against the Cowboys in NFL Week 17? Injury update

Quarterback Jalen Hurts will play no part in the Philadelphia Eagles’ Week 17 clash with the Dallas Cowboys, as he continues to recover from a concussion suffered in last weekend’s defeat to the Washington Commanders.

Pickett primed after Hurts ruled out

Hurts left the 36-33 loss after receiving a hit in the first quarter on Sunday, with back-up QB Kenny Pickett replacing the two-time Pro Bowler at Northwest Stadium. Hurts has not cleared the NFL’s strict, five-step concussion protocol, leading the Eagles to rule him out of the Dallas game in Friday’s official injury report.

Speaking before Hurts’ Week 17 absence was confirmed, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni had told reporters: “He’s still in the [concussion] protocol. It’s going to be tough for him to make it this week.”

Hurts, who is also listed as suffering from a finger injury, has so far started all 15 of the Eagles’ games in 2024, throwing for 2,903 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions. He has also run for 630 yards and 14 touchdowns.

With the 26-year-old unable to play against the Cowboys, Pickett is poised to make his first start since joining the Eagles on a four-year contract earlier this year. The former Steelers signal caller last started an NFL game in Week 13 of the 2023 season, in Pittsburgh’s 24-10 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals.

Pickett fit to play despite rib complaint

“I think he’s had a nice week of practice,” Sirianni said of Pickett on Friday. “He’s done a nice job. We’ve had some good practices and walk-throughs this week.”

A rib issue meant that Pickett was a limited participant in Friday’s practice session, but the 26-year-old has no designation in the Eagles’ latest injury report and assured reporters this midweek that he’s “ready to go” for Sunday.

Cowboys vs Eagles: when, where, how to watch?

In Week 17 of the 2024 NFL regular season, the Eagles host the Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday December 29, with kick-off in Pennsylvania scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT. Viewers in the US can watch the game on FOX, and can stream the network’s live coverage on the online platform fubo, which offers a free trial.

You’ll also have the option of following AS USA’s live-text commentary of the game.

What do Eagles need to clinch NFC East?

Having already clinched their place in the postseason, the 12-3 Eagles can secure the NFC East title with a win or a tie against the Cowboys. Philadelphia will also be confirmed as divisional champions if the Washington Commanders lose or tie against the Altanta Falcons later on Sunday. The Cowboys, meanwhile, have been eliminated from playoff contention.

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