Eagles Raise New QB Worries With Surprise Signing on Thursday
By Joe Summers
The Eagles are in the midst of an interesting quarterback conundrum ahead of a Divisional Round matchup with the Packers, as there's uncertainty surrounding not only Jalen Hurts but also who will be his primary backup.
While it looks like Hurts will be fine to suit up on Sunday, the battle between Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee to serve as his insurance remains unsettled. Philadelphia threw a new wrench into the mix on Thursday, re-signing fourth-year signal caller Ian Book to the practice squad after waiving him earlier this week.
It sounds like Hurts is practicing well, making this move likely about the battle behind him, rather than anything to do with the Eagles captain.
Eagles Re-Sign QB Ian Book to Practice Squad After Cutting Him
Philadelphia doesn't have much of a chance at a deep run without Hurts anyway, though it's important to have a reliable option should he get hurt and subsequently ruled out for a game. Pickett nearly led the Eagles to a victory over the Commanders when Hurts first suffered his concussion, and we saw Chad Henne finish a game for the Chiefs during Kansas City's 2022 Super Bowl run.
Disaster strikes sometimes. It's best to be prepared when it does. Unfortunately, Pickett hasn't quite exactly ran with the opportunity given to him by Philly, but McKee has looked great in relief. Still, it's best for this team to have as many options as possible going into the unknown of the playoffs.
In all likelihood, this was the plan all along. Book was never a highly-coveted waiver wire target, so general manager Howie Roseman knew he waive him and sign him back to the practice squad later in the week. Nonetheless, the continued carousel Philly's brass is running implies a lack of confidence at the position as a whole.
Finding a premier backup quarterback will be one of Roseman's top priorities this offseason if the organization doesn't believe in Pickett long-term. This is the second time we've seen Hurts suffer an injury late in the season, to say nothing of Nick Foles' improbable playoff run replacing Carson Wentz.
If any franchise knows the importance of a quality backup, it's the Eagles. Nonetheless, Philadelphia is still a 4.5-point favorite at FanDuel Sportsbook over the Green Bay Packers. Should things go wrong and Hurts isn't himself though, this team could have major problems with no one to blame but themselves.
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