Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett warmed up Friday in front of a wall inside the team’s indoor practice facility at the NovaCare Complex. The wall features the “Players of the Game” for each week, including a poster that Pickett ran past that was celebrating quarterback Jalen Hurts for his standout performances. However, as the Eagles prepare for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, they will be without Hurts, leaving Pickett to play a key role in the team’s push for the NFC East title.
The Eagles released their final injury report before Sunday, and Hurts was listed as out, meaning Pickett will be the starter. Earlier Friday, head coach Nick Sirianni said it would be difficult for Hurts to be ready to play Sunday, indicating Pickett will start. This will mark Pickett’s first start for the Eagles and his first start since Dec. 3, 2023, when he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pickett finished last week’s game against the Washington Commanders but sustained a rib injury that has appeared on the past two injury reports. On Thursday, Pickett said he is wearing extra padding under his flak jacket to protect the injury and is receiving treatment. He added that the injury will not hinder his ability to play.
Hurts wasn’t the only player ruled out. Running back Will Shipley (concussion protocol) and wide receiver Britain Covey (neck) were also missing in practice and will not be available, leaving the Eagles’ special teams with two returner spots to fill. Shipley, who is averaging 28.8 yards per kickoff return and helps cover punts and kickoffs, suffered a concussion against the Commanders and hasn’t practiced this week. Covey, the primary punt returner, has participated fully in practice over the past two weeks but hasn’t played in a game since Week 13 against the Baltimore Ravens.
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Cornerback Cooper DeJean has taken over punt return duties, averaging 10.3 yards per return. On kickoffs, Isaiah Rodgers and Kenneth Gainwell are expected to fill in. To bolster special teams, the Eagles may activate Khari Blasingame from the practice squad. Blasingame has contributed on both kickoff and punt coverage teams and could assume Shipley’s role, including serving as the personal protector on punts, given his natural position as a fullback.
Wide receiver A.J. Brown, who was added to Thursday’s injury report with a knee issue, was seen stretching during the indoor portion of practice. Brown will be crucial in the passing game, especially if the Eagles use quick routes like slants and outs to neutralize Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons’ disruptive pass rush.
Linebacker Nakobe Dean (abdomen) and defensive end Bryce Huff (wrist) participated in practice and will be key to slowing down the Cowboys’ offense, which will be without wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury. If Huff, who is listed as questionable, is activated off injured reserve, the Eagles could make room on the roster by waiving defensive end Charles Harris, with the possibility of re-signing him to the practice squad later in the week.
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Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.
