Jalen Hurts is unlikely to be available for the Philadelphia Eagles against the Dallas Cowboys this weekend, head coach Nick Sirianni has revealed.

Hurts was taken to the locker room with concussion just minutes into Sunday’s defeat at the Washington Commanders after being crushed at the end of a 13-yard run.

As well as taking a hit to the helmet, the 26-year-old’s head appeared to smack the ground after the hit from Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu, forcing him to leave the game and be replaced at quarterback by Kenny Pickett.

Ahead of their crucial showdown with the Cowboys in Philadelphia, Sirianni told reporters on Friday that Hurts remains in concussion protocol and is therefore expected to miss Sunday’s game. 

‘It’s going to be tough for him to make it this week,’ he said about his first-choice quarterback.

The Eagles will again turn to backup Pickett if he is not cleared to play because of the lingering effects of the concussion he suffered against Washington. 

Jalen Hurts is unlikely to be available for the Philadelphia Eagles against the Dallas Cowboys

Nick Sirianni says Jalen Hurts remains in concussion protocol and “It’s going to be tough for him to make it this week.”Looking like Kenny Pickett Sunday against the Cowboys. pic.twitter.com/RHLmYgdK3f

— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) December 27, 2024 Read MoreBREAKING NEWS Philadelphia Eagles sign a new quarterback before the playoffs with Jalen Hurts concussed

Sirianni said they would lean on the medical staff on a daily basis to know where Hurts – who threw two touchdown pᴀsses and ran for a pair of scores in the first meeting against Dallas in November – was in his recovery from the head injury. 

The two-time Pro Bowler did not practice this week, leaving Pickett – who suffered a rib injury in relief action against the Commanders – in line for his first start as an Eagle.

Pickett was 14 of 24 for 143 yards against Washington, throwing a touchdown pᴀss to A.J. Brown and an interception.

Pickett is from New Jersey and said when he was acquired from Pittsburgh that he had ‘great memories’ of going to games at Lincoln Financial Field with his dad and grandfather since he was 5. The chance to run out of the home team tunnel – which he could get Sunday if he is indeed the starting QB – left him absolutely delighted.

‘It’s a big opportunity,’ he said this week. ‘I’ve been working hard to stay ready. I felt like I was in a good position last game with my preparation. Now, having a week to practice, I’ll feel even better going into the stadium.’

Pickett, a first-round pick out of Pitt in 2022, went 14-10 as a starter for the Steelers.