National commentators laughed a little when Eagleshead coach Nick Siriannis stated that quarterback Jalen Hurts should be considered for MVP. Hurts’ contribution to the offense is undeniable, though, since he missed Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders due to a head injury. In an effort to win the NFC East, the Eagles hope to have him return on Sunday afternoon against the Dallas Cowboys. However, the team may need to make changes to make sure its backup quarterbacks and the rest of the offense are prepared because of the uncertainty around his availability due to a head injury he sustained.
In order to be approved to return, Hurts must work with trainers and an outside neurologist. This process usually ends later in the week. Hurts is currently in concussion protocol. Sirianni stated at his media availability on Monday afternoon that he does not currently have any updates regarding Hurts’ condition, but that if cleared, he might be able to play even if he doesn’t practice until Friday.
Sirianni remarked, “What I’ve observed is that Jalen knows how to get himself ready.” He’s a real pro. I simply cannot express enough how wonderful Jalen is as a player, leader, and individual. Every week is a little bit different, and I am confident that Jalen makes every effort to prepare for every week, no matter what.
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Tanner McKee or Kenny Pickett would be in charge of spearheading the attack if Hurts was not cleared to play. Hurts was replaced by Pickett, who finished 14 of 24 throws for 143 yards, a score, and an interception. Pickett, on the other hand, is also battling an injury after attempting to toss the ball away to escape being sack-ed. Sirianni stated that Pickett’s availability had not changed, despite his statement that he would be further assessed on Monday.
The Eagles would use McKee, a 2022 sixth-round selection who has been the backup quarterback this season, if Pickett is declared out. With the third-team offense, McKee made an impression during training camp and the preseason, completing 34 of 56 passes for 294 yards and an interception. He hasn’t participated in a regular-season game yet, though.
Sirianni must make crucial choices about snap counts as the Eagles get ready for the Cowboys in order to guarantee that Pickett and McKee receive enough practice reps. In order to make the offensive game plan more zone-read plays, give running back Saquon Barkley more opportunities, and use the Brotherly Shove in short-yardage situations, he must also balance these ideas with updates on Hurts’ condition. With Pickett on the field, the Commanders took advantage of Hurts’ absence and those offensive components, forcing the Eagles to settle for field goals rather than touchdowns.
For the Eagles, having uncertainty at quarterback following a Hurts injury is nothing new. In 2022, backup Gardner Minshew started against the Cowboys and the New Orleans Saints after Hurts missed two games in the last stretch of the regular season due to a shoulder injury sustained against the Chicago Bears. With Minshew throwing for 355 yards and the offense racking up 442 yards of total offense, the Eagles managed to move the ball against the Cowboys despite losing both games. Sirianni intends to use that knowledge to make sure the backups that are in place are ready.
According to Sirianni, we have attempted to accomplish the same goal with Kenny and Tanner, giving them significant reps during their formative stages. In addition to scouting team plays, they have the chance to represent our plays. In order to assist this squad win yesterday, Kenny gave it his all. He did many wonderful things, made big plays, and played tough.
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