Jalen Hurts exited in the first quarter of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Week 16 game vs. the Washington Commanders. What’s the latest on Hurts’ status?
What Happened to Jalen Hurts?
Hurts took a hard hit on a 13-yard scramble with 9:52 remaining in the first quarter. He collided with a pair of Washington defenders and was seemingly told by the officials to leave the game to get an evaluation from the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant.
Jalen Hurts is being evaluated for a concussion after taking this hit to the head.pic.twitter.com/wmaDVGfTCx
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 22, 2024
It seemed like Hurts was ready to re-enter the game, but he was held back by medical personnel and went to the blue medical tent for further evaluation.
Later on, the Eagles officially noted that Hurts was questionable to return with a concussion. He left the sideline for the locker room for further testing and evaluation. Early in the second quarter, Philadelphia officially ruled Hurts out for the rest of the game.
Injury Update: QB Jalen Hurts (concussion) is out. https://t.co/I99jJ1qVob
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 22, 2024
Hurts had three rushes for 41 yards as well as 11 passing yards during his abbreviated day. Kenny Pickett entered the game in Hurts’ place and promptly threw a touchdown to A.J. Brown.
However, Pickett dealt with his own apparent rib injuries and was in discomfort throughout. Though he was able to finish the game, the Eagles fell to the Commanders and failed to clinch the division.
On Monday morning, Eagles reporter Jeff McLane shed some light on the potential timetable for Hurts’ return and what the week might look like.
“He’ll be in the protocol, which could limit him once practice (or a walkthrough) starts on Wednesday. You’d like your QB to take all the reps before a game.
But it’s important to note that players increasingly return the game after a concussion (i.e Sydney Brown and Britain Covey for the Eagles, most recently and Zach Ertz this week for the Commanders).”
RE: Jalen Hurts’ concussion.
He’ll be in the protocol, which could limit him once practice (or a walkthrough) starts on Wednesday. You’d like your QB to take all the reps before a game.
But it’s important to note that players increasingly return the game after a concussion (i.e…
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) December 23, 2024
Potential Fantasy Fallout From Hurts’ Injury
Analysis courtesy PFN’s Kyle Soppe
Pickett resembles an obvious downgrade in the offensive environment as a whole, though him finding Brown on a slant for a TD is an encouraging sign.
Pickett’s average depth of throw has trended down across his time in the NFL, but if his first action in Week 16 is a sign of things to come, this offense doesn’t mind using Brown in that fashion.
This injury would cap DeVonta Smith’s upside while also lowering his floor, landing him on the Flex radar at best. Saquon Barkley would pick up goal-line usage, which is good, but the ability for this offense to get in such spots is an obvious concern.
After the game, Nick Sirianni did not have an update on Hurts’ condition. He’ll have to clear the NFL’s five-step concussion protocol to return to play, which frequently takes more than one week.
Eagles Playoff Scenarios After Week 16
The 12-3 Eagles are currently the No. 2 seed in the NFC. Their loss to the Commanders put a real damper on their chances to get the NFC’s No. 1 seed. The Lions and Eagles do not play this regular season, but Detroit mathematically holds the head-to-head tiebreaker.
This is because the Lions are 9-1 in conference, compared to 7-3 in conference for the Eagles.
MORE: Complete Eagles Playoff Scenarios
Both teams only play conference opponents over their final three games. Therefore, it’s impossible for Philadelphia to gain a game on Detroit without gaining a game on them in the overall standings. At that point, the Eagles would just have a superior record and no tiebreaker would be necessary.
The Eagles have already clinched a playoff berth but their loss kept the NFC East in contention. However, Philly is still a massive favorite to win the NFC East. Their final two games are both at home against the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants, a pair of division opponents the Eagles defeated on the road by a combined 62-9 score earlier this season.
The Lions and Eagles do not play this regular season, but Detroit mathematically holds the head-to-head tiebreaker. This is because the Lions are 8-1 in conference, compared to 7-2 in conference for the Eagles.
Both teams only play conference opponents over their final three games. Therefore, it’s impossible for Philadelphia to gain a game on Detroit without gaining a game on them in the overall standings. At that point, the Eagles would just have a superior record and no tiebreaker would be necessary.
