Jalen Hurts' concussion leads to Eagles' losing streak

In the United States, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was placed in the NFL's mandatory concussion protocol after sustaining a head injury during a game against the Washington Commanders on December 22, 2024. Hurts suffered the concussion in the first quarter of the match, which ended in a 36-33 loss for the Eagles. He completed only 1 of 4 passes for 11 yards and managed 41 rushing yards on three carries before exiting the game. His head hit the ground during a tackle, and he was subsequently taken out for the remainder of the game. As Hurts continues through the NFL's concussion protocol, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni remains tight-lipped about his status for the upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys. Sirianni suggests that he has no control over Hurts' fate regarding returning to the field, as it solely depends on medical evaluations and clearance from doctors. In the Thursday news conference following Hurts' injury, Sirianni indicated that he would provide updates based on the medical team's assessments. The Eagles have been competing for a top seed in the NFC as they currently stand at 12-3, needing just one more win to clinch the NFC East title. With critical games ahead, including a rematch against their division rivals, the Cowboys, the team's dynamics face disruption due to Hurts' health. Although backup quarterback Kenny Pickett has stepped in, concerns linger regarding his performance and overall readiness, as he himself is recovering from a rib injury sustained in practice. The Eagles recognized the urgency of the situation by signing quarterback Ian Book, indicating a proactive approach to ensure they have adequate quarterback coverage while navigating the potential absence of Hurts. Coach Sirianni has emphasized the importance of allowing Hurts sufficient recovery time to avoid further complications. If cleared, he could be expected to require minimal preparation since he has already led the team to multiple victories in earlier games against the Cowboys. The upcoming games will ultimately shape the Eagles' playoff prospects, with much reliant on the health of their star quarterback Jalen Hurts.