Oh boy! The Eagles have a headache just on the eve of their playoffs this season. When everything was smooth sailing for the Phillies, with Jalen Hurts leading his team to a 10-game winning run. That’s when tragedy struck them down, with Hurts going into concussion protocol because of his head injury against the Commanders. Now, after a week of ifs and buts, it doesn’t look like the Eagles QB will come back before their clash against the Cowboys.

Going into Sunday’s clash in Philadelphia, the Eagles have a chance to wrap up their NFC East title. But they won’t have their prolific signal-caller who played a key role until week 16. On Friday, while talking to the reporters, their head coach, Nick Sirianni, remained doubtful regarding Hurts return, “It’s going to be tough for him to make it.”

He has failed to clear the concussion protocols that looked unlikely for the whole week. Now, this news doesn’t really surprise us because of Hurts’ unavailability from the Eagles practice on Thursday. Last week, when the Phillies had a golden opportunity to win their division title on enemy grounds. They failed to do so while losing their star QB to concussion within the first quarter.

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Before leaving the game and getting ruled out in the second quarter.Hurts completed only 1 of his 4 passes for 11 yards. He also had three carries for 41 yards before a collision with Commanders LB Frankie Luvu took him out of action. With Hurts leaving the game early, the Eagles threw in their backup QB Kenny Pickett. The former Steelers first-round pick almost led the Eagles to a victory in Washington. But it wasn’t meant to be, as he finished with 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards. Pickett also threw a four-yard TD to AJ Brown and an interception to Luvu.

Now, the Eagles don’t really have any reliable options left but to rely upon Pickett to lead them against fellow divisional rivals, the Cowboys, this week.

Kenny Pickett’s chance to shine in Philadelphia amid Jalen Hurts absence

Well, building up to Sunday’s clash Hurts wasn’t the only QB injured. Pickett was also suffering from a rib injury, but he remains in contention to start his first game of the year. “It’s a big opportunity. Been working hard to stay ready. Felt like I was in a good position last game with my preparation. Now having a week to practice. I’ll feel even better going into the stadium. I’m excited. Just want to get the win,” said Pickett.

Although Pickett was picked by Pittsburgh in 2022, he grew up as an Eagles fan. So it’s probably a proud moment for him to start against the Cowboys. He will have his family there in Philly to cheer him as the Eagles try to secure the No.2 seed from the NFC, “I’ve got a lot of family coming. It’s a surreal feeling having this opportunity. I’m doing everything I can to be prepared and get ready for it. I’m excited.”

Now, Pickett has remained calm despite not receiving enough opportunities in Philadelphia. Before Sunday’s clash, he had only played 28 offensive snaps all year. Starting with the Cowboys clash on Sunday, Pickett has a golden opportunity to prove himself in front of the Eagles Nation. And make his childhood dream of leading the Eagles on the gridiron come true.