If Philadelphia Eagles star quarterback Jalen Hurts is unavailable for their Week 17 tilt with the rival Dallas Cowboys, they’ll at least have Kenny Pickett at their disposal.
Hurts remains in concussion protocol while also dealing with a finger injury on his non-throwing hand. He did not practice on Thursday, but QB2 Pickett (ribs) was a full participant.
Pickett told reporters after practice Thursday that he expects to be able to play. He “tested out some different things padding-wise” in anticipation of being on the field Sunday against visiting Dallas, when the Eagles can clinch the NFC East title with a victory.
“It is what it is. Just something I’m going to have to deal with,” Pickett said. “So, yeah, I’ll be ready to go for Sunday.”
Hurts was injured last Sunday in the Eagles’ loss to the Washington Commanders. His head hit the turf while being tackled by Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner.
Hurts connected on just 1 of 4 passes for 11 yards before he exited the game. Pickett took over and produced 143 yards, one touchdown and one interception on 14-of-24 passing as Washington rallied to beat Philadelphia 36-33.
It was later revealed that Pickett hurt his ribs during the game.
“I think after a couple more days, getting a chance to kind of rest it a little bit more, go do some rehab, I’ll be good for Sunday,” Pickett said.
The only other quarterback on the Eagles’ roster is Tanner McKee, a sixth-round pick in 2023 who has yet to play a snap for them. Philadelphia signed quarterback Ian Book to the practice squad earlier Thursday.
