No Jalen Hurt, No Pickett, HC Nick Sirianni will choose who starts at QB

Pickett’s Struggles Through Pain

With Jalen Hurts sidelined due to a concussion, backup quarterback Kenny Pickett stepped into the starting role for the Philadelphia Eagles. Unfortunately, his return to the field was marred by an aggravation of his preexisting rib injury. Reports indicate that Pickett is playing through broken ribs, a testament to his toughness but also a concerning factor for the Eagles’ coaching staff. The risk of further injury outweighs the benefits of forcing him to play in this situation, particularly as the team looks ahead to more meaningful games.

Eagles’ Cautionary Approach

Despite being a backup, the Eagles have no incentive to push Pickett to play at anything less than full health. Ensuring the availability of their quarterbacks for future, higher-stakes matchups remains a top priority. The team’s medical staff and coaching decisions reflect a long-term strategy, prioritizing the player’s well-being and the team’s playoff ambitions over a relatively inconsequential Week 18 game.

Tanner McKee Likely to Start

With the Eagles’ NFC East title already secured and this week’s matchup against the New York Giants having no impact on their playoff seeding, rookie quarterback Tanner McKee is expected to take the helm. This opportunity allows the Eagles to rest their injured players while also evaluating McKee in a live-game setting. Fans can anticipate a low-stakes but intriguing game as McKee steps up to prove his potential under center.