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Jalen Hurts
Philadelphia Eagles QBs Jalen Hurts (left finger/concussion) and Kenny Pickett (ribs) vs. Dallas Cowboys
Date/Time: Sunday, 1:00 pm Eastern
Philadelphia Eagles starting quarterback Jalen Hurts was sidelined through Week 17’s first two practices by a Week 16 concussion. Although Philadelphia’s No. 2 quarterback Kenny Pickett is dealing with a ribs issue of his own, Pickett told reporters he took first-team repetitions on Thursday Pickett is ready to start against the Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas’ pass defense ranks second in expected points added (EPA) allowed per play (-0.122) among NFL teams in Weeks 12-16.
With Pickett under center in quarters two, three and four last week, only Nos. 1 and 2 wide receivers A.J. Brown (nine) and DeVonta Smith (six) earned more than one target. Dallas’ star cornerbacks, perimeter cornerback DaRon Bland and slot defensive back Jourdan Lewis, make for stiff competition but Pickett’s condensed target tree keeps Brown and Smith in the respective top 24 and top 36 conversation, positionally. Pickett is a low-end QB2 if active.
Philadelphia No. 3 quarterback Tanner McKee will serve as Pickett’s game-day backup. Among 33 NFL quarterbacks with at least 75 preseason dropbacks in the 2023 and 2024 preseasons combined, McKee ties for fifth in average time to throw (2.62), ranks fourth in past-the-sticks throwing rate (46.9 percent), 24th in yards per passing attempt (5.8) and 27th in completion rate (57.0 percent), per ProFootballFocus. McKee would surely turn the ball over with ease if thrust into the starting lineup but his fearless playing style could facilitate WR4/5 outings for Brown and Smith in admittedly an unideal circumstance.
Fantasy managers faced with starting Pickett this week should instead stream New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, who faces a Los Angeles Chargers’ pass defense allowing 0.134 EPA per play, the eighth-most among NFL teams in Weeks 12-16.
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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/top-five-nfl-injuries-contingency-003021352.html
Author : NBC Sports
Publish date : 2024-12-27 00:30:00
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