LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Jalen Hurts was concussed minutes into the game and ruled out after evaluation, Kenny Pickett played like a backup quarterback and the Philadelphia Eagles' winning streak is over.
Hurts was ruled out early in a 36-33 loss at the Washington Commanders on Sunday after his head slammed against the ground on one run and he was hit in the helmet by Frankie Luvu at the end of another. Coach Nick Sirianni had no update on his starting QB's status afterward.
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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) drops a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrating his touchdown with teammate quarterback Kenny Pickett (7) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (7) scrambles out of the pocket during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (7) looking downfield as he runs with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (7) avoids a tackle by Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett speaks to members of the media after an NFL football game against Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni speaks to members of the media after an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) running with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) running with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) running with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrating his touchdown with teammate Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrating his touchdown with his teammate Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
"I haven’t talked to our medical staff yet," Sirriani said. “Anything that has anything to do with the head is out our hands there.”
Hurts' status for next week's home game against Dallas will linger for the Eagles, who might have blown their chance for the top seed in the NFC and the corresponding first-round bye.
“We didn’t play our ball,” said receiver DeVonta Smith, who dropped a wide-open pass late that would have given Philadelphia a first down and the chance to seal it. “We shot ourselves in the foot. Lot of penalties and things like that, and at the end of the day we still had a chance to win.”
Philadelphia's league-leading defense allowed rookie Jayden Daniels to throw for five touchdowns and account for 339 yards. On the other side of the ball, Saquon Barkley after 109 yards and two TD runs in the first quarter had just 41 the rest of the way.
The Commanders crowding the line of scrimmage to take away Barkley after Hurts left had a lot to do with that. Pickett completed 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards, a TD pass to A.J. Brown and an interception in his first meaningful action since Dec. 3, 2023, with Pittsburgh against Arizona — his last game for the Steelers.
“l just tried to channel as much as I could from the preparation standpoint when I got out there, but at the end of the day you just got to go play,” said Pickett, who had X-rays on his injured ribs and expects to undergo more testing. “There’s definitely plays that I want back and I know that we want back as a team."
Teammates were quick to defend Pickett.
“I don’t believe in moral victories, but I’ll definitely give a shoutout to Kenny,” Barkley said. “The way he came in and responded, he put us in a position to win a football game. That’s all we could ask. As a team, we didn’t do that.”
There was plenty of blame to go around. Philadelphia played the bulk of the second half without three starters: injured edge rusher Josh Sweat and defensive tackle Jordan Davis and then safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was ejected after his second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Gardner-Johnson posted on social media, “Respectfully got kicked out for nothing” and said he plays with passion and fire. Referee Shawn Smith said the second flag was for taunting an opponent.
The Eagles need one more win to wrap up the NFC East title and one of the conference's top two seeds. After the Cowboys next weekend, they finish the regular season against the last-place New York Giants.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) drops a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrating his touchdown with teammate quarterback Kenny Pickett (7) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (7) scrambles out of the pocket during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (7) looking downfield as he runs with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (7) avoids a tackle by Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett speaks to members of the media after an NFL football game against Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni speaks to members of the media after an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) running with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) running with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) running with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrating his touchdown with teammate Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrating his touchdown with his teammate Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Here are the AP’s latest coverage plans, top stories and promotable content. All times EST. Find the AP’s top photos of the day in Today’s Photo Collection. For up-to-the-minute information on AP’s coverage, visit Coverage Plan in AP Newsroom.
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WEEKEND COVERAGE
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For weekend stories, please click here for the Weekend Lookahead digest.
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NEW/DEVELOPING
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ITALY-TREVI FOUNTAIN; PARTY CITY-STORES CLOSING; TIGER'S SON; SUBWAY BURNING; SKI LIFT RESCUE; CLOCK WINDING-PENNSYLVANIA CAPITOL
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TOP STORIES
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MIDEAST WARS — Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip have killed at least 22 people, including five children, Palestinian medical officials said, while Gaza’s small Christian community celebrated a pre-Christmas Mass. By Wafaa Shurafa and Tia Goldenberg. SENT: 790 words, photos, video. With MIDEAST-WARS-YEMEN — Two U.S. Navy pilots are shot down over the Red Sea in an apparent “friendly fire” incident, U.S. military says (sent).
GAZA-WINTER — Nearly two million displaced Palestinians in Gaza are struggling to protect themselves from the coming winter. This comes as Israel’s 14-month-old war with Hamas drags on. The prices of blankets, wood, and winter clothing have skyrocketed amid shortages. By Wafaa Shurafa and Fatma Khaled. SENT: 810 words, photos, video.
GERMANY-CHRISTMAS MARKET — German authorities said they received tipoffs last year about the suspect in a car attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg as more details emerged about the five people killed. Authorities have identified the suspect as a Saudi doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006 and had received permanent residency. By Michael Probst and Vanessa Gera. SENT: 820 words, photos, video. With GERMANY-CHRISTMAS MARKET-EXPLAINER — What we know about the deadly Christmas market attack in Germany; GERMANY-CHRISTMAS-MARKET-PHOTO-COLLECTION (all sent).
TRUMP — Donald Trump suggests that his new administration could try to regain control of the Panama Canal that the United States “foolishly” ceded to its Central American ally, contending that shippers are charged “ridiculous” fees to pass through the vital transportation channel linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. By Bill Barrow and Will Weissert. SENT: 1,030 words, photos, audio.
SYRIA-ASSAD HOMETOWN — On the walls of the palatial mausoleum built to house the remains of former Syrian President Hafez Assad, whose son Bashar Assad was ousted two weeks ago, vandals have sprayed variations of the phrase, “Damn your soul, Hafez.” While the Assads lived in luxury, most residents of the ousted president’s hometown of Qardaha survived on manual labor, low-level civil service jobs and farming to eke out a living. By Abby Sewell. SENT: 1,040 words, photos, video. With MIDEAST WARS-SYRIA — Prominent Lebanese figure meets Syrian insurgent who led Assad’s ouster, seeking better relations (sent).
BLUESKY-GROWTH — Bluesky has seen its user base soar since the U.S. presidential election, boosted by people seeking refuge from Elon Musk’s X, or wanting an alternative to Meta’s Threads and its algorithms. The platform grew out of the company then known as Twitter and was eventually intended to replace it. While this is still very much a pie in the sky, Bluesky’s growth trajectory could make it a serious competitor to other social platforms. By Ali Swenson and Barara Ortutay. SENT: 1,180 words, photo.
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SPOTLIGHTING VOICES
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THAILAND-SEA NOMADS — The Moken, a group of indigenous people from Thailand and Myanmar, are working to hold onto their traditions against powerful forces of change. By Huizhong Wu and Jintamas Saksornchai. SENT: 1,460 words, photos, video. An abridged version of 1,060 words is also available.
SEASON CANCELED-GIRLS BASKETBALL — Nebraska’s third-largest high school decided not to play varsity girls basketball this year after no juniors or seniors went out for the sport. But Grand Island is not alone. By Josh Funk. SENT: 1,080 words, photos.
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RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR
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RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR — Ukrainian drones have struck a major Russian fuel depot for the second time in just over a week, according to a senior Russian regional official, as part of a “massive” cross-border attack on fuel and energy facilities that Kyiv says supply Moscow’s military. SENT: 670 words, photos. With RUSSIA-SLOVAKIA-TALKS — Putin holds talks with Slovakian prime minister, in a rare visit to Moscow by an EU leader (sent).
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MORE NEWS
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FILM-BOX OFFICE — “Sonic 3” bests “Mufasa: The Lion King” at the box office. SENT: 970 words, photos.
BRAZIL-PLANE CRASH — At least 10 are killed as a small plane crashes into a Brazilian town popular with tourists. SENT: 290 words, photo.
ITALY-TREVI FOUNTAIN — Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain reopens after three months of renovations, just in time for the inauguration of the 2025 Jubilee Holy Year. SENT: 200 words, photos.
SKI LIFT RESCUE — Nearly 200 Colorado skiers and snowboarders rescued after a lift cracks. SENT: 170 words, photo.
TIGER’S SON — Tiger Woods' son comes up aces in PNC Championship with a hole-in-one. SENT: 180 words, photos.
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YEAR END STORIES
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GOODBYE TO THE AMATEUR — It is just about time to say goodbye, once and for all, to the amateur athlete in college sports. SENT: 1,360 words, photos.
Find all of the AP’s year-end content in the 2024 Year In Review hub on AP Newsroom.
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NATIONAL
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TEXAS-MALL-SHOOTING — A pickup truck driver fleeing police careens through the doors of a JCPenney store in Texas and continued through a busy mall, injuring five people before he was fatally shot by officers, authorities say. SENT: 290 words, photos, audio.
SUBWAY-BURNING — New York City Police announced they have in custody a “person of interest” in the early morning death of a woman who they believe may have fallen asleep on a stationary subway train before being intentionally lit on fire by a man she didn’t know. UPCOMING: 470 words by 7 p.m., photo.
CHICAGO TRANSIT-TRUMP — Chicago officials are racing before President Joe Biden leaves office to lock up federal funding for the largest project in the history of the city’s elevated train system, a $3.6 billion investment aimed at connecting an impoverished and isolated community on the far South Side. SENT: 840 words, photos, video.
BIBLICALLY ACCURATE ANGELS — About 7 in 10 U.S. adults say they believe in angels, but what, exactly, is an angel? SENT: 540 words, photo.
CLOCK WINDING-PENNSYLVANIA CAPITOL — Visitors to Pennsylvania’s Capitol are drawn to its priceless artwork, polished marble and intricate carvings. But there’s another treasure there: 273 antique clocks that were part of its original design. SENT: 480 words, photos.
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INTERNATIONAL
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MAYOTTE CYCLONE-TENSIONS — Cyclone Chido not only ravaged Mayotte’s fragile infrastructure but also laid bare deep-seated tensions between the island’s residents and its large migrant population. SENT: 750 words, photos.
SERBIA-PROTEST — Tens of thousands stream into a central square in Serbia’s capital for a big rally against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government, whose tight grip on power has been challenged by weeks of street protests led by university students. SENT: 570 words, photos video.
NIGERIA-CHRISTMAS STAMPEDE — The death toll from stampedes during two Christmas charity events in Nigeria has increased from 13 to 32, police say. SENT: 220 words, video. With NIGERIA-CHRISTMAS-STAMPEDE-EXPLAINER — Why did at least 67 people die in Christmas charity stampedes in struggling Nigeria? (sent)
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BUSINESS
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IRS STIMULUS-PAYMENT EXPLAINER — Approximately 1 million taxpayers will automatically receive special payments of up to $1,400 from the IRS in the coming weeks. SENT: 470 words, photo.
PARTY CITY-STORES CLOSING — For nearly 40 years, customers flocked to Party City for Halloween costumes, favors for children’s birthday parties and decorations for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Now, the go-to shop for everything from cartoon-themed balloons to Super Bowl decor is closing stores. By Technology Writer Sarah Parvini. SENT: 300 words, photo.
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HEALTH & SCIENCE
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NASA-SUN FLYBY — A NASA spacecraft aims to fly closer to the sun than any object sent before. By Science Writer Adithi Ramakrishnan. SENT: 300 words, photo.
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SPORTS
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EAGLES-COMMANDERS — After Jalen Hurts left with a concussion, Jayden Daniels threw five touchdown passes while running at will in the rookie quarterback’s latest masterful performance, and the Washington Commanders ended the Philadelphia Eagles’ winning streak at 10 by rallying to defeat the NFC East leaders 36-33. By Sports Writer Stephen Whyno. SENT: 850 words, photos.
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HOW TO REACH US
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At the Nerve Center, Jerome Minerva can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1600. For photos, ext. 1900. For graphics and interactives, ext. 7636 Expanded AP content can be obtained from AP Newsroom. For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, contact apcustomersupport@ap.org or call 844-777-2006.
Jorge Barroso, dressed as Santa Claus, is received by young residents after arriving on a boat to distribute Christmas gifts to children who live in the riverside communities of the Amazon, in Iranduba, Brazil, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
Boxers Britain's Tyson Fury, right, and Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk compete during their WBA, WBO, and WBC world heavyweight title fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
The Christmas market, where a car drove into a crowd on Friday evening, in Magdeburg, Germany, is empty on Saturday evening , Dec. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
Women smoke water pipe as they sit on a lookout area at the mount Qasioun in Damascus, Syria, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
A Syrian man Mohammed Salam, 32, poses for a picture with his family in front of his destroyed house which destroyed during the civil war in the neighbourhood of Jobar, in Damascus, Syria, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
The grandchildren of Reda Abu Zarada sit by a fire at a camp by the sea in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
Reda Abu Zarada, 50, displaced from Jabaliya in northern Gaza, warms up by a fire with her grandchildren at a camp in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
