Philadelphia's rematch with Dallas might not include a key player.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts remains in concussion protocol, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni told reporters Thursday. The Eagles later announced that Hurts did not participate in Thursday's practice.
Backup Kenny Pickett is also dealing with a ribs injury, leading the Eagles to sign Notre Dame product and former one-time Saints starter Ian Book to their practice squad.
If both Hurts and Pickett cannot suit up for Sunday's Eagles-Cowboys showdown at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia will have Tanner McKee and Book available to face the Cooper Rush-led Cowboys.
Pickett, however, was a full participant in Thursday's practice, which is a good sign he would be healthy enough to face the Cowboys.
A concussion forced Hurts forced out of action in the first quarter of Philadelphia's Week 16 loss to Washington, prompting the Eagles to replace him with Pickett, who finished off the drive he entered by firing a touchdown pass to A.J. Brown to give the Eagles a 14-0 lead. Pickett played well enough to give the Eagles a chance to win, completing 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards, one touchdown and one interception, but sustained his own ailment that has forced the Eagles to consider all options.
Pickett won the backup job in a rather tight battle with McKee during preseason action in which Pickett struggled and neither clearly separated himself from the other. If Hurts cannot clear protocol soon, Pickett should be expected to start if his health status improves over the next few days. If not, Eagles fans might need to prepare to watch McKee lead their offense.
