Latest Eagles injury update opens door for Commanders to steal NFC East crown

The Philadelphia Eagles received bad news ahead of their Week 17 clash with the Dallas Cowboys.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts was officially ruled out Friday with a concussion, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, meaning backup Kenny Pickett will start in the all-critical game.

Hurts left in the first quarter of the team's Week 16 loss to the Washington Commanders after taking a hard hit on a red zone rushing play. It's unclear what his timeline is to return to game action.

Head coach Nick Sirianni told reporters Friday that Hurts was still in the league's concussion protocol and would "be tough for him to make it this week."

Pickett completed just half of his passes for 143 yards, a touchdown and an interception in his relief appearance in Landover, Maryland.

Washington's 36-33 comeback win created renewed interest in the division championship race.

Philadelphia (12-3) can clinch the NFC East title with a win against Dallas, but a second straight loss would make for an interesting and dramatic Week 18.

Washington (10-5) would need to defeat its Week 17 opponent in the Atlanta Falcons on "Sunday Night Football" in addition to an Eagles loss to still be in contention for the NFC East crown in its final game. A win will clinch it a playoff berth regardless.

ESPN analytics currently give Philadelphia a 98.1 percent chance of clinching the division, but Hurts' injury could be just what Washington needs to see their 1.9 percent chance become a reality.

If the standings hold, Washington and Philadelphia would see each other a third time this season, a rubber match at Lincoln Financial Field in the wild-card round of the playoffs.

Dependent on Hurts' recovery, he would then get a deserved rematch with rookie passer Jayden Daniels on the biggest stage of the year.