The Insiders on @NFLGameDay Kickoff with @TomPelissero: #Eagles QB Jalen Hurts unlikely to play on Sunday; #Panthers relishing spoiler role; A look at the #Bears HC opening and how attractive a job it is. pic.twitter.com/CSYICe81g4
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2024
Hurts suffered a concussion in the early stages of the Eagles' 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 16. He has yet to return to practice, indicating he remains in the early stages of the recovery protocol.
The Eagles are expected to start quarterback Kenny Pickett should Hurts be unavailable. Pickett netted 98 passing yards on 27 dropbacks against the Commanders while throwing one touchdown and one interception. He is also believed to have suffered a rib injury during the game.
At 12-3, the Eagles are a game behind both the 13-2 Detroit Lions and 13-2 Minnesota Vikings in the chase for the NFC's best record. However, the fact that both the Lions and Vikings reside in the NFC North means only one will be eligible for the top seed and a home playoff game. The Lions and Vikings face off in Week 18 for a game that could very well decide the division.
Still, the Eagles will need a lot of help to secure the all-important first-round bye. To snag the top seed, they'll need the Lions to lose both their remaining games and the Vikings to lose their Week 17 game against the Green Bay Packers.
Ultimately, the Eagles need to handle their own business before worrying about the Vikings and Lions. If they're forced to start Pickett, they'll need to hope the rest of the team can elevate their game. The Eagles may have no choice but to lean heavily on running back Saquon Barkley, which may suit him just fine. He's only 267 rushing yards away from matching Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson's all-time single-season rushing yards record.
Photo Credit: © Peter Casey-Imagn Images
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