C.J. Gardner-Johnson fined for unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, ejection

The NFL has fined Philadelphia Eagles defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson for his pair of unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and subsequent ejection in a loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Gardner-Johnson will be on the hook for a hefty dollar amount, paying $45,022 for his actions. Along with his pair of personal fouls, he also gave the middle finger to the Commanders crowd as he walked off the field to the locker room.

Gardner-Johnson also spoke up about his ejection after the game, a last-second loss for the Eagles, 36-33, to Washington. On social media, Gardner-Johnson said he was kicked out for no reason.

“Respectfully got kicked out for nothing, I play with passion and fire!!” Gardner-Johnson said. “Guys was chirping all day what u expect!!”

In the second half of the NFC East contest, Gardner-Johnson was disqualified after being penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct. The former Florida Gators star was seen verbally going after Commanders players, and it was his second unsportsmanlike penalty of the day. The other came in the first quarter, and NFL rules state a player is disqualified after they are hit with two unsportsmanlike penalties in one game.

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is recovering from a concussion

After suffering a head injury during last weekend’s game against the Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts remains in concussion protocol as of Thursday, according to head coach Nick Sirianni.

That means Kenny Pickett is currently in line to start this weekend’s clash with the Dallas Cowboys, after finishing the Eagles’ Week 16 loss to the Commanders once Hurts left with the aforementioned ailment.

“Nick Sirianni says Jalen Hurts remains in concussion protocol and ‘It’s going to be tough for him to make it this week.’ Looking like Kenny Pickett Sunday against the Cowboys,” ESPN’s Tim McManus said on Thursday.

After being thrust into action, Pickett put up some solid numbers, completing 14-of-24 pass attempts for 143 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The Eagles weren’t able to hold on for the win, but the quarterback was far from the main reason why they fell to the Commanders.

Perhaps a full week of practice with the starters in Philadelphia will work wonders for Kenny Pickett, as Jalen Hurts tries to get healthy for the stretch run with the Eagles. This weekend’s contest with the Cowboys will kick off at 1:00 p.m. on FOX.