The Philadelphia Eagles have bolstered their quarterback options by signing Ian Book to their practice squad, following injury concerns surrounding starting quarterback Jalen Hurts and backup Kenny Pickett. The announcement of this addition, first reported by NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, was made on Thursday as the team prepared for their pivotal matchup this weekend against the Dallas Cowboys.
Book’s signing is particularly notable considering the current lack of depth at the quarterback position. Hurts is still recovering from a concussion sustained during the Eagles' loss to the Washington Commanders, where he exited the game after the first quarter. With Hurts unable to practice earlier this week, the Eagles turned to Pickett, who has also been hindered by injury after undergoing X-rays for rib issues following the same game.
Sirianni confirmed on Monday Hurts has been placed under the league's concussion protocol. He did not participate (DNP) in practice, which left the team with Tanner McKee as the only healthy quarterback on the roster. If Hurts and Pickett are unable to play on Sunday, Book and McKee will lead the Eagles' offense against their division rivals, the Cowboys.
Ian Book brings with him a modest amount of NFL experience. He was originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints and had one start during his rookie year. That game against the Dolphins saw him complete 12 of 20 passes for 135 yards, albeit with two interceptions to his name. After being released by the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this year, he has been waiting for another opportunity, and the Eagles have now provided him with just such a chance.
Prior to entering the league, Book enjoyed a successful collegiate career at Notre Dame, where he finished as the school's all-time winningest quarterback with impressive accolades, including leading the Fighting Irish to two College Football Playoff appearances and holding team captaincy twice.
The decision to sign Book can also be seen as precautionary, ensuring the Eagles have sufficient depth should either Hurts or Pickett be inactive for the game this weekend. This is particularly important as the Eagles aim to solidify their position heading toward the playoffs. Currently, the team is fighting for playoff seeding, and injuries to key positions have the potential to derail their ambitions.
Head coach Nick Sirianni spoke highly of Book upon his signing. He commented, "Highly productive college career. We had an opportunity to get him after he had played a little with New Orleans. Really enjoyed our time with him when he was here. Had some high hopes for him." These positive remarks highlight the organization’s confidence in Book’s abilities to step up if called upon.
Meanwhile, Tanner McKee, who was drafted by the Eagles this year, remains the third-string option. He has yet to see any action at the NFL level after being selected in the sixth round of the 2023 draft. His status may change depending on Hurts' and Pickett’s recovery timelines.
The Eagles' chances of securing the top seed in the NFC playoffs rely heavily on their success against the Cowboys this coming Sunday. With the situation constantly changing due to injuries, the team acknowledges the urgency to win out, starting with this high-stakes matchup.
Fans remain hopeful as they watch how Head Coach Sirianni and his staff navigate this challenging scenario. Can Book prove himself worthy of the opportunity, whether directly on the field or by lifting his fellow quarterbacks? Only time will tell as the Eagles prepare to face their rivals from Dallas.
The game will undoubtedly be one to watch, and as roster changes continue, the Eagles will need to adapt quickly. Each decision made by the coaching staff will be pivotal as they look to overcome the challenges posed by injuries and continue their pursuit of playoff success.
