The NFC Playoff chase took a dynamic turn as the Washington Commanders claimed a win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16, 36-33. The win kept Washington in the hunt for an NFC East title and the loss all but dashed all hopes in Philadelphia. had of the NFC’s No. 1 seed. But they may have lost more when starting quarterback Jalen Hurts was knocked out of the game with a concussion and backup Kenny Pickett suffered a rib injury in the loss. Losing Hurts for any length of time would be a huge blow to the Eagles, but Pickett missing time could also put a division title – and possibly more – in serious jeopardy.
Elsewhere in the league, Josh Allen suffered a hand injury in the Bills’ win over the Patriots and looking toward Christmas Day, Wednesday, the start of Week 17, the Steelers could get George Pickens back just in time for a game. visit from the 14-1 Kansas City Chiefs, who will try to capture the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a Christmas victory.
Jalen Hurts, Kenny Pickett injuries leave QB questions in Philadelphia
As you may recall, Carson Wentz had the inside track for the 2017 NFL MVP award when a season-ending injury cost him the rest of the year. A few improbable wins and a “Philly Special” later, and backup Nick Foles would toast the city and help the Eagles capture their first and only Super Bowl title. After Jalen Hurts went down in Washington on Sunday, Kenny Pickett came in and nearly helped Philly push their win streak to 10. Now, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the Eagles’ quarterback room after Week 16.
Coach Nick Siriani had no update on Hurts’ condition after the game, but he had to go through the five-step concussion protocol to play in Week 17 against the Cowboys. Pickett took x-rays after the game and while he didn’t reveal what they found, he told reporters he thinks he’ll be ready for next week.
Josh Allen lost feeling in his throwing hand in the win over Patriots
After Buffalo improved to 12-3 with their comeback win over the Patriots, Josh Allen told CBS Sports that he had “no feeling” in his right hand during the game after putting a helmet on his throwing elbow. He finished the game 16-for-29 for 154 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception. The Bills have already won the AFC East and would need two losses to the Chiefs to have a shot at the No. 1 seed, which Kansas City can close with a win on Christmas Day, while the Bills don’t play (vs. Jets) through Sunday in week 17.
George Pickens could be back for Steelers vs. Chiefs
What a Christmas present it would be in Pittsburgh. The Steelers’ leading receiver has missed the team’s last three games due to a hamstring injury, and the club has lost two of three, including a loss Saturday to Baltimore. Pittsburgh could have won the AFC North in that game, but now the path is a little more difficult. If the Steelers win, they will clinch the division, meaning they will have to knock off the two-time defending champions who also have the best record in the NFL. Having Pickens back – and possibly Larry Ogunjobi, Donte Jackson and DeShon Elliott – could go a long way toward winning the division for the eighth time under Mike Tomlin.
