Kenny Pickett to start as Eagles look to clinch NFC East against the Cowboys in Week 17

The Philadelphia Eagles will turn to Kenny Pickett as their starting quarterback in Week 17 as Jalen Hurts continues to recover from a concussion suffered during the Eagles’ 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders.

Jalen Hurts won’t clear concussion protocol by Sunday, so Kenny Pickett will be under center for the Eagles as they host the always-hated Dallas Cowboys, with a chance to clinch the NFC East on the line.

Kenny ‘Two Gloves’, who joined the Eagles this season after a stint with the Steelers, is also battling his own injury concerns. The third-year QB sustained a rib injury last week but assured reporters on Thursday that he’ll be ready to go.

“Tested out some different things padding-wise. I’ll just make sure I feel good with it for Sunday,” Pickett said. “I’ll be ready to go.”

With rest and rehab under his belt, Pickett was a full participant in Thursday’s practice. Sorry to everyone who was set on Tanner McKee getting the nod…

Tanner McKee Vibes Put on Hold, Unfortunately…

the vibes for sunday pic.twitter.com/P6naVpaolJ

— Shriya Saini (@ShriyaSainii) December 26, 2024

In Kenny Pickett We Trust…?

Trust me, I wanted the vibes as well but at least for now, Kenny Pickett is the guy and I think with some game action last week against the Commanders and a week of practice, Kellen Moore and company will have a much better game plan for Sunday against Dallas.

Last week marked the first time Pickett saw extended action this season. He completed 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards, a touchdown, and an interception while rushing three times for 13 yards.

Kenny Pickett to AJ Brown – Touchdown!

Kenny Pickett fills in and throws a TD to AJ Brown!

📺: #PHIvsWAS on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/P8lX2CPRsk

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2024

It wasn’t a perfect outing, but considering the circumstances—a midgame entry and facing a heated NFC East rival—Pickett managed to keep the Eagles competitive and again, a full week to prepare as the potential starter, expectations will undoubtedly be higher.

The Eagles enter Week 17 with a 12-3 record and a chance to clinch the NFC East with a win over the 7-8 Cowboys. It’s a meaningful game that will test Pickett’s ability to manage an offense loaded with talent but missing its MVP-caliber quarterback.

Dallas, meanwhile, are dead-men walking but would love nothing more than to spoil the Eagles’ playoff seeding plans. A win for the Eagles would not only secure the division but also keep them in contention for the NFC’s top seed.

This start is more than just a stopgap for the Eagles; it’s a massive opportunity for Kenny Pickett to prove he belongs on a contending team.

Pickett was a first-round pick for the Steelers, but his career in Pittsburgh never took off as expected. Now with the Eagles, he has a chance to rewrite his story. Sunday will be a defining moment for the young quarterback.

The Eagles are banking on Pickett to deliver in a game with playoff implications. With his rib injury seemingly under control and a full week of preparation, he has everything he needs to step up and get the team back on track after a brutal ending in D.C. last weekend.

Beat Dallas, clinch the NFC East, and prove the Eagles can thrive no matter who’s under center. It’s time for Kenny Pickett to show what he’s made of.

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