Kenny Pickett transitioned from Pittsburgh Steelers starter to Philadelphia Eagles backup, and while his journey has had its ups and downs, not all of it has gathered attention for the right reasons. During the Week 17 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, the Eagles signal-caller became the talk of the internet after a play that can only be described as a complete glitch.
Fans React to Kenny Pickett’s Amusing Fail During Week 17 Game
Pickett attempted a pump fake in the second quarter that turned into an unintentional comedy routine. His momentum sent him spinning in an awkward circle, leaving fans and defenders bewildered. It didn’t take long for social media to erupt as the clip quickly went viral, with fans dubbing it one of the funniest plays of the season.
“Kenny Pickett just glitched,” a post joked about Pickett via X.
Kenny Pickett just glitchedpic.twitter.com/23lxO4NNxx
— Sam Monson (@SamMonsonNFL) December 29, 2024
Another quipped, “Looks at they hand like it’s not controlled by him.”
Looks at they hand like it’s not controlled by him…😭
— MrKnew (@SoTaKnew) December 29, 2024
“Like, WTAF?” wrote another bewildered voice.
Like, WTAF? https://t.co/j7VQ26lAjP
— Sam Monson (@SamMonsonNFL) December 29, 2024
“Those small hands!” mused another one.
those small hands!
— ML (@mattwlamar) December 29, 2024
A fan tried to add some perspective, writing, “His hand got hit.”
his hand got hit
— shawn (@ltsCamo) December 29, 2024
“Can’t see from that angle but the defender got his arm I think,” commented a similar voice.
Can't see from that angle but the defender got his arm I think.
— Shaun (@ShaunHudgins) December 29, 2024
Pickett stepped in as the starter, carrying the weight of the Eagles’ hopes for an NFC East title and a potential top seed in the conference after Jalen Hurts was sidelined due to a concussion in Week 16.
Despite the gaffe, Pickett bounced back to lead the Eagles on a scoring drive, connecting with DeVonta Smith for their second touchdown of the game and taking a 14-7 lead. For a team still chasing the NFC East title and a top playoff seed, Pickett’s resilience mattered more than his viral moment.
Kenny Pickett Exited the Field in the Third Quarter With a Rib Injury
Pickett’s day under center for the Eagles was cut short in their Week 17 clash against the Cowboys. Though Pickett was putting together a strong performance, he suffered an unfortunate rib injury in the third quarter. Per the team’s announcement, the veteran quarterback exited the field and was listed as questionable to return.
Pickett’s rib issues trace back to last week when he sustained the injury after stepping in against the Commanders. Despite being limited in practice leading up to the game, he suited up against Dallas, wearing extra padding in his flak jacket. However, the hits began to add up early in the third quarter.
Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa delivered a late hit that drew a flag, and later, Micah Parsons landed a shot during a 3rd-and-goal scramble.
While Pickett connected with A.J. Brown in the end zone on the play, the touchdown was negated due to a holding penalty, leaving the Eagles’ quarterback visibly shaken.
“More accurately, seems to be headed toward the X-ray room. Made a left turn at the locker room tunnel to head to the far side of the field,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported, fueling concerns about Pickett’s availability for the remainder of the game.
More accurately, seems to be headed toward the X-ray room. Made a left turn at the locker room tunnel to head to the far side of the field.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 29, 2024
Despite his limited time on the field, Pickett completed 10 of 15 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown while also scoring on the Eagles’ famous Tush Push.
Tanner McKee, the Eagles’ sixth-round draft pick from Stanford, stepped in to finish the drive and will now lead the offense with Ian Book as the backup.