Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts remains sidelined with injuries as the NFL playoffs loom, raising fresh concerns about his availability for the postseason.
The Eagles announced Friday that Hurts will miss their regular-season finale against the New York Giants due to ongoing issues stemming from a concussion and a left finger injury. Hurts has been out of action since suffering a head injury in a December 22 game against the Washington Commanders, which marked his second head-related setback this season.
In addition to Hurts, the Eagles are also dealing with uncertainty surrounding their second-string quarterback, Kenny Pickett, who is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game after sustaining a rib injury last month. Pickett initially broke his ribs in a narrow 36-33 loss to Washington and has struggled to recover fully, exacerbating Philadelphia’s quarterback dilemma.
With Hurts and Pickett both unavailable or limited, rookie Tanner McKee is expected to make his first NFL start on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. Ian Book, another backup, has also been active in practice this week, providing depth for the critical matchup.
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Playoff Outlook
Despite their injury concerns, the Eagles have positioned themselves well for the postseason. With a 13-3 record, Philadelphia has clinched the NFC East title and the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. They are set to face the NFC’s No. 7 seed in the Wild Card round, which will either be the Green Bay Packers or the Washington Commanders, depending on the outcome of Sunday’s games.
Head coach Nick Sirianni offered a brief update on Hurts’ condition, stating, “He’s progressing through the protocol,” but declined to provide additional details on his timeline for a return. Hurts’ availability for the playoffs remains uncertain, and his absence could significantly impact the Eagles’ Super Bowl aspirations.
The Impact of Hurts’ Absence
Hurts, who has been a pivotal figure in the Eagles’ success this season, has thrown for 3,865 yards and 27 touchdowns while rushing for an additional 754 yards and 10 scores. His dual-threat ability has made him one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks and a vital component of Philadelphia’s offense.
If Hurts is unable to return in time for the playoffs, the Eagles will face an uphill battle in navigating the postseason without their star signal-caller. While Kenny Pickett has shown flashes of promise, his health remains a question mark, leaving McKee and Book as the team’s primary options.
Sunday’s Game
The Eagles’ Week 18 matchup against the Giants may have little bearing on their playoff seeding, but it will serve as a crucial opportunity for McKee to gain experience and for the team to assess its depth at quarterback.
With the postseason just a week away, the Eagles are under immense pressure to ensure their signal-callers are ready to perform at the highest level.
As the playoffs approach, all eyes will be on Philadelphia to see how they handle their quarterback situation and whether Jalen Hurts can make a timely return to lead his team in their pursuit of a Super Bowl title.
