The Dallas Cowboys are eyeing a golden opportunity to derail the Philadelphia Eagles’ season, and fate just handed them a significant advantage.

On Friday, the Eagles officially ruled out star quarterback Jalen Hurts for the highly anticipated Week 17 showdown, per reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Hurts sustained a concussion during last week’s tough loss to the Washington Commanders, a defeat that simultaneously locked in the Cowboys’ playoff spot.

Hurts had been pushing to clear concussion protocol throughout the week, participating in limited practice sessions. However, despite his efforts, he could not progress enough to receive medical clearance. Head coach Nick Sirianni addressed the situation after Friday’s practice.

“It’s going to be tough for him to make it this week,” Sirianni admitted.

The absence of Hurts leaves the Eagles turning to backup quarterback Kenny Pickett, who was once a highly-touted first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft. After a turbulent stint in Pittsburgh, Pickett was traded to Philadelphia for a fourth-round pick last spring.

So far this season, Pickett has seen limited action but stepped in for Hurts after his injury last week. Over the course of the year, he has completed 15 of 27 passes for 148 yards, registering one touchdown and one interception. Most of that production came during the Eagles’ narrow loss to the Commanders.

The stakes for Sunday’s clash couldn’t be higher. Philadelphia sits atop the NFC East with a 12-3 record, but the Cowboys (11-4) are nipping at their heels. A Dallas victory would not only tighten the divisional race but also send a statement heading into the playoffs.

For the Eagles, the pressure is on Pickett to rise to the occasion and keep Philadelphia’s division title hopes alive. Meanwhile, the Cowboys will look to exploit this unexpected break and apply maximum pressure to their oldest and fiercest rival.