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Sports
23 December 2024

Eagles Face Quarterback Crisis Following Loss To Commanders

Kenny Pickett undergoes rib tests as Jalen Hurts is ruled out with concussion

The Philadelphia Eagles faced significant quarterback challenges following their 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders on December 24, 2023. Jalen Hurts, who was leading the team at the start, exited early due to a concussion after taking a hit where his head struck the turf. The repercussions of this injury were felt throughout the match, compelling backup Kenny Pickett to step in. Pickett, who had only thrown three passes for five yards this season prior to this game, found himself under immense pressure to perform.

After the injury to Hurts, Pickett quickly took charge, throwing his first touchdown pass to A.J. Brown and giving the Eagles a 14-0 lead. This burst of energy saw the Eagles initially take control of the game. They held onto a 27-14 advantage going deep through the fourth quarter. Yet, the Commanders orchestrated a thrilling comeback, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who threw three touchdown passes to seal the victory with just six seconds remaining.

Pickett's impressive debut would be overshadowed by this loss, where he completed 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards, along with one touchdown and one interception. Despite his commendable performance under pressure, he later revealed to reporters the toll the game had taken on him physically. "I went for X-rays after the game and will have more tests Monday," he stated, indicating concern for his ribs following the physical encounters throughout the game.

Head Coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged Pickett's efforts, saying, "I think he did some nice things. Again, we'll have to look at the tape and kind of see everything, but he did some nice things on those last drives ... Really good job by him on two fourth-down conversions." This comment reflects the positive outlook Sirianni had on Pickett's performance, hinting at the potential for him to lead the team going forward.

Interestingly, as the dust settled on the game, another concern loomed for the Eagles. Apparent on the sidelines was Tanner McKee, the Eagles' third-string quarterback, catching passes and preparing himself to step up. McKee, drafted in the sixth round of 2023, has yet to take any snaps during regular NFL play. His potential emergence as the team's starting quarterback could come to fruition if both Hurts and Pickett are unable to play next week against the Dallas Cowboys.

Looking at the immediate schedule, the Eagles are just one win away from clinching the NFC East. Yet, the impact of their quarterback injuries could dictate how they approach their last two regular-season games, one of which is at home against the Cowboys, and the following against the New York Giants. With everything on the line, the Eagles can't afford to lose key players.

Despite his injury, Pickett remains optimistic about his recovery. "I think I will be ready to play against the Cowboys next weekend," he said, indicating his determination to return to the field. This resilience is certainly what the Eagles will need as they prepare for what promises to be another highly competitive matchup next week.

With Hurts’ status uncertain as he enters concussion protocol, and Pickett awaiting the results of his rib examination, the Eagles’ quarterback situation is murky at best. The pressure to secure their playoff spots intensifies, and fans will be watching closely as updates come through the next week. The looming question remains: who will take the helm when the Eagles face their rivals again?