No progress in Hurts’ concussion

PHILADELPHIA Four days after banging his head on the turf in Washington, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was nowhere to be found at NovaCare Complex.

He didnt participate in Thursdays practice in any capacity, signaling that he has not advanced in concussion protocol.

Backup Kenny Pickett, who suffered a rib injury against the Commaders, was a full go with the first team in preparation to start Sunday against Dallas.

Its a big opportunity, Pickett said.

Ive 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, Ill feel even better going into the stadium.

...

I just want to get the win.

Its great to get reps with guys I really havent had a chance to play with, said Pickett, who was 14-of-24 for 143 yards with a touchdown and an interception in D.C.

Getting the continuity, getting in and out of the huddle, and obviously throwing to the receivers its big for me.

The Eagles signed 26-year-old QB Ian Book to their practice squad.

The Notre Dame alum, who was here in 2022, has been with three other organizations.

Most recently he was on the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad.

Tanner McKee, drafted out of Stanford in the sixth round in 2023, remains the teams third-string arm.

Ian obviously (had a) highly productive college career, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said.

We had an opportunity to get him (two years ago) after he had played a little bit in New Orleans.

Really enjoyed our time with him when he was here and had some high hopes for him.

Obviously, we didnt keep him around, but that was for different circumstances as far as other guys stepping up and playing good, he said.

Yeah, really liked him.

I just liked the person, liked the player.

(He) has played and started a game in the NFL and had played good football for us in the preseason.

(Hes) familiar with a lot of things that are here and (were) excited to have him.

Thursday was the Birds first practice this week.

They had a walk-through on Tuesday and were off Wednesday for Christmas.

Sirianni offered little insight into Hurts status.

Im still waiting to find out, he said.

Again, as you guys know, when youre in concussion protocol, I have no say in that, and Jalen has no say in that.

Thats completely up to the doctors, as it should be.

Hurts concussion happened in the first quarter of the loss in Washington, when the Eagles were up 14-0 and on a roll.

They went on to lose 36-33 in a sloppy performance.

Wide receiver A.J.

Brown (knee/rest), linebacker Nakobe Dean (abdomen) and edge rusher Josh Sweat (ankle/rest) saw limited action in Thursdays practice.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys have ruled out star receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) for the rest of the season.

*** Sirianni reportedly apologized to former Eagles tight end Zach Ertz after the two had a postgame dustup in Washington.

Neither man would comment afterward on the incident.

Sirianni didnt expound on Thursdays report.

Ill just keep my conversations with any guys private, he said.

Ive got a lot of respect for Zach great football player, great person to be around.

Ive really got a lot of respect for Zach, and all the good things that hes done, and my relationship with him.

*** Former Eagles receiver DeJean Jackson has agreed to become head coach at Delaware State.

Apparently, D-Jax has always wanted to coach at an HBCU.

Jackson has no formal coaching experience.

Michael Vick recently became Norfolk States head coach.

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X at @the_defranc..

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