After Pro Bowl quarterback Jalen Hurts entered the 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.
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Ultimately, the Eagles defeated the Cowboys 41-7. Unfortunately, Pickett would not be on the field to see the end of the game.
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Pickett left the game during the third quarter after taking a hard hit to the side from the Cowboys defense, aggravating a rib injury.
After going to the locker room, Pickett returned in street clothes but was later seen wearing an Eagles uniform.
To most fans, this seemed like a normal 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 in Week 18.
However, fans were surprised to learn that Pickett didn’t just aggravate a rib injury. He came into the match with broken ribs.
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According to a report from Mike Florio of Pro Football TalkPickett played through the match despite his injury and received two painkilling injections that day: one before the match and one at halftime.
The only person from the Eagles side who confirmed this happened was cornerback Darius Slay Jr., according to a report from Ashlyn Sullivan of NBC Sports Philadelphia.
“Darius Slay confirms to us that Kenny Pickett played with broken ribs today, even before leaving the game,” Sullivan said. “Slay compares Pickett’s performance to what he saw from Matthew Stafford during his career and credits Pickett for having the courage to play through that injury.”
Darius Slay confirms that Kenny Pickett played with broken ribs today, even before leaving the game
Slay compares Pickett’s performance to what he saw from Matthew Stafford during his career and gives Pickett props for having the courage 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 himself to be simultaneously strong and effective at the quarterback position.
That said, this has been the case since Pickett was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 2022 overall pick. N.F.L Preliminary version.
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.
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