AceShowbiz - Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts suffered a concussion during their Sunday, December 22 game against the Washington Commanders, potentially jeopardizing the Eagles' playoff hopes.

The star QB was injured early in the first quarter following a hard hit from Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner during a 13-yard scramble. He was further struck in the head by Washington's Frankie Luvu, leading to his abrupt exit from the field.

Hurts, 26, was immediately evaluated in the medical tent before being taken to the locker room and subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the game. Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett took over, promptly connecting with A.J. Brown for a touchdown, but ultimately, the Eagles lost their 14-point lead and the game, 35-33. This defeat ended their franchise-record 10-game winning streak and dropped them a game behind Detroit for the top seed in the NFC.

The injury has thrown the Eagles' playoff plans into uncertainty. Jalen Hurts is set to enter the NFL's concussion protocol, a stringent five-step process that ensures a player's recovery before returning to action. This protocol involves symptom-limited activity, aerobic exercise, football-specific drills, and full football activity, and Hurts must complete all steps to get clearance for future games.

Philadelphia desperately needs Hurts back, as their offensive performance waned significantly in his absence. While Pickett showed promise by completing a 4-yard touchdown pass to Brown, he later threw a costly interception that allowed Washington to score. The Eagles managed only field goals in the second half and struggled to retain their early lead. Pickett finished the game with 143 yards on 14-of-24 passing.

The Eagles' loss prevented them from clinching the NFC East. They have two more regular-season games, a crucial Week 17 face-off against the Dallas Cowboys and a finale against the New York Giants. A win in either matchup will secure at least one home playoff game, but Hurts' availability remains uncertain.

Hurts has been an integral part of the Eagles' success since being drafted in 2020, with his leadership pushing the team to a Super Bowl appearance. His absence was keenly felt on Sunday, December 22 and the team hopes for a swift recovery.

Eagles' followers and NFL enthusiasts will eagerly watch for updates on Hurts' condition, as his presence on the field is crucial for Philadelphia's championship aspirations.