Table of Contents
The NFC playoff chase took a dynamic turn when the Washington Commanders posted a spectacular victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, 36-33 in Week 16. The victory kept Washington in the hunt for an NFC East title and the Defeat practically ended any hope. had the NFC’s No. 1 seed. But they may have lost more than that, as 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 amount of time would be a blow to the Eagles, but Pickett missing time could also put a division title, and possibly more, in serious jeopardy.
Elsewhere around the league on the injury front, Josh Allen suffered a hand injury in the Bills’ win over the Patriots, and heading into Christmas Day on Wednesday, the start of Week 17, the Steelers could bounce back. to George Pickens, just in time for a visit from the Kansas City Chiefs (14-1), who will look to secure the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a Christmas victory.
Injuries to Jalen Hurts and Kenny Pickett cause doubts at QB in Philadelphia
As you may recall, Carson Wentz was in line to win the 2017 NFL MVP award when a late-season injury cost him the rest of the year. A couple of improbable wins and a “Philly Special” later, and backup Nick Foles toasted the city, helping give the Eagles their first and only Super Bowl title. After Jalen Hurts went down Sunday at Washington, Kenny Pickett stepped in and nearly helped Philadelphia run its winning streak to 10. Now a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the Eagles’ quarterback room as they exit the Week 16.
Coach Nick Siriani had no update on Hurts’ status after the game, but would need to pass the five-step concussion protocol to play in Week 17 against the Cowboys. Pickett underwent x-rays after the game and, although he did not reveal what was found, he told reporters he believes he will be ready for next week.
Josh Allen lost feeling in his throwing hand in win over Patriots
After Buffalo improved to 12-3 with its comeback win over the Patriots, Josh Allen told CBS Sports he had “no feeling” in his right hand during the game after taking a helmet to his throwing elbow. He finished the game 16 of 29 for 154 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception. The Bills already won the AFC East, and would need two Chiefs losses to have a shot at the No. 1 seed that Kansas City can secure on Christmas Day with a win, while the Bills don’t play (against the Jets). until Sunday of week 17.
George Pickens could return for Steelers vs. Chiefs
What a Christmas present it would be in Pittsburgh. The Steelers’ top receiver has missed the team’s last three games with 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 road is a little more complicated. If the Steelers win, they will clinch the division, which means defeating 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 as well, could go a long way toward winning the division for the eighth time under Mike Tomlin.