Eagles’ Kenny Pickett Played Entire Game With Broken Ribs: Report

After Pro Bowl quarterback Jalen Hurts was put into concussion protocol, Philadelphia Eagles fans wondered how backup quarterback Kenny Pickett would hold up in the highly-anticipated game against the rival Dallas Cowboys. The answer? Great! Pickett completed 10 passes for 143 yards and one touchdown while also recording a rushing touchdown. More NFL: Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Reveals if He Plans to Rest Starters vs Bengals In the end, the Eagles wound up beating the Cowboys 41-7. Unfortunately, Pickett wouldn’t be on the field to see the game’s end. PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 29: Kenny Pickett #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 29, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 29: Kenny Pickett #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 29, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mitchell Leff/Getty Images Pickett left the game during the third quarter after taking a gnarly hit to the side from the Cowboys’ defense that reaggravated a rib injury. After he went to the locker room, Pickett returned in regular clothes but was later seen back in an Eagles uniform. For most fans, this seemed like a regular situation. Football players get hurt all the time, and since Philadelphia had a huge lead, it only made sense to rest Pickett in case Hurts didn’t return for Week 18. However, fans were surprised to learn that Pickett didn’t just reaggravate a rib injury. He entered into the game with broken ribs. More NFL: Commanders Pro Bowl Star Proposes to Girlfriend on Sideline After Wild Victory According to a report from Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Pickett played through the game despite his injury and received two painkilling injections that day: one before the game and one at halftime. The only person from the Eagles’ side to confirm that this happened was cornerback Darius Slay Jr., per a report from Ashlyn Sullivan of NBC Sports Philadelphia. “Darius Slay confirms to us Kenny Pickett played through broken ribs today even before exiting the game,” Sullivan said. “Slay compares Pickett’s performance to what he saw from Matthew Stafford throughout his career and gives Pickett props for having the guts to play through that injury.” Darius Slay confirms to us Kenny Pickett played through broken ribs today even before exiting the game Slay compares Pickett’s performance to what he saw from Matthew Stafford throughout his career and gives Pickett props for having the guts to play through that injury — Ashlyn Sullivan (@ashlynrsullivan) December 29, 2024 Needless to say, this is all an excellent look for Pickett, who has proven that he is simultaneously tough and effective in the quarterback position. That being said, this has been the case since Pickett was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 20th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite both of his seasons being shortened due to injury, Pickett maintained a winning record of 7-5 when he played. In his rookie season, Pickett completed 245 passes for 2,404 yards, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions. In his sophomore year, he recorded 201 completions for 2,070 yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions. More NFL: Former Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan May Return to Team in 2025: Report For more Eagles and NFL news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.