The Philadelphia Eagles are facing a significant challenge as they head into the playoffs. With the Wild Card round just around the corner, the team is grappling with the possibility of starting without their star quarterback, Jalen Hurts. Currently, Hurts remains in the concussion protocol, having missed the last two games of the season, raising concerns about his availability for the crucial matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Playoff Implications for the Eagles
The Eagles are set to clash with the Packers on Sunday, but the absence of Hurts could dramatically alter their playoff trajectory. Head coach Nick Sirianni confirmed on Monday that Hurts is still in the protocol, stating, "I have no new information. Like I said yesterday, he’s progressing through the (concussion) protocol." This uncertainty leaves fans and analysts alike wondering: Can the Eagles secure a victory without their starting quarterback?
While the Eagles have locked up the No. 2 seed in the playoffs, Hurts’ continued absence raises red flags. Speculation swirled that the team was being cautious with him, but the lack of participation in practice last week suggests that his return is not imminent. NFL players must engage in practice sessions to clear the protocol, and Hurts did not meet this requirement, leading to questions about his readiness for the Wild Card game.
Backup Quarterbacks Step Up
In Hurts’ stead, the Eagles have seen promising performances from their backup quarterbacks. Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee have both stepped up admirably during Hurts’ absence. Pickett, who threw for 143 yards with one touchdown and one interception in relief of Hurts on December 22, followed that with another solid performance, throwing for 143 yards, one touchdown, and rushing for another score on December 29. However, Pickett suffered a rib injury in that game, which kept him sidelined for the season finale.
McKee took the reins in the final game of the regular season against the New York Giants, where he showcased his skills by throwing for 269 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to perform under pressure could be crucial if Hurts is unable to play on Sunday. But the question remains: Who will lead the Eagles’ offense if Hurts can’t clear the protocol and Pickett isn’t fully healthy?
Wild Card Weekend Matchup
As the Eagles prepare for their Wild Card matchup, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The game against the Packers will take place on Sunday at 4:30 PM ET. If Hurts is unable to play, the Eagles might have to rely on either Pickett or McKee to navigate the playoff waters. The uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position adds an extra layer of tension to an already high-stakes game.
Interestingly, the Packers are also dealing with their own injury woes. Top receiver Christian Watson suffered a torn ACL in the final week of the season, sidelining him for the entirety of the playoffs. Additionally, quarterback Jordan Love is questionable for the game due to an elbow injury. If both Hurts and Love are unable to play, fans could witness a battle of the backups, making for an unpredictable and thrilling matchup.
The Road Ahead
The Eagles have a lot riding on this game, not just for their playoff aspirations but also for their confidence moving forward. The team’s ability to adapt and overcome adversity will be tested, especially if they must rely on their backup quarterbacks. With the playoffs being a do-or-die situation, every play counts, and the Eagles will need to be at their best.
Once Hurts participates in practice, the Eagles will be required to disclose more information about his status in the concussion protocol. Until then, the team and its fans are left in suspense, hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.
Wild Card Weekend Schedule
As the excitement builds for Wild Card Weekend, here’s a look at the schedule:
Saturday, January 11:
- No. 5 Los Angeles Chargers at No. 4 Houston Texans, 4:30 PM ET (CBS, Paramount+)
- No. 6 Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 3 Baltimore Ravens, 8:00 PM ET (Prime Video)
Sunday, January 12:
- No. 7 Denver Broncos at No. 2 Buffalo Bills, 1:00 PM ET (CBS, Paramount+)
- No. 7 Green Bay Packers at No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles, 4:30 PM ET (Fox, Fox Deportes)
- No. 6 Washington Commanders at No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:00 PM ET (NBC, Peacock, Universo)
Monday, January 13:
- No. 5 Minnesota Vikings at No. 4 Los Angeles Rams, 8:00 PM ET (ESPN, ABC)
As the Eagles gear up for this pivotal matchup, the question on everyone’s mind remains: Will Jalen Hurts be ready to lead his team into the playoffs, or will they have to rely on their backups to rise to the occasion? With so much on the line, fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere as the Eagles aim to make a deep playoff run.
