Report: Kenny Pickett played against Cowboys with broken ribs, received multiple painkilling injections

Philadelphia Eagles (13-3) quarterback Kenny Pickett played through broken ribs in Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys (7-9), per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

Pickett came into Sunday’s game nursing a rib injury, the full extent unknown. Florio’s report confirms what Eagles cornerback Darius Slay said after the game — that Pickett indeed played through broken ribs in the 41-7 victory. Florio added in his report that Pickett received two painkilling injections — one before kickoff and one at halftime.

Pickett started the game in place of Jalen Hurts, who remains in concussion protocol retroactive to last Sunday’s loss to the Washington Commanders (10-5). Pickett went 10-of-15 for 143 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game in the third quarter after taking a hit to the body from Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons.

Kenny Pickett took a shot from Micah Parsons here and had to come out of the game. He has a pre-existing rib injury and is wearing a flak jacket today. pic.twitter.com/L7ZWCU5bCI

— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) December 29, 2024

 “I’m good,” Pickett said after the game. “I’ll be all right.”

Kenny Pickett delivers in place of Jalen Hurts vs. Cowboys

The offense didn’t skip a beat after Tanner McKee replaced Pickett under center. McKee completed 3-of-4 passes for 54 yards and two scores as Philadelphia made it look easy against the Cowboys’ defense.

“It was awesome, so happy for Tanner,” Pickett said, via the team’s official website. “He’s a great guy. Being in the quarterback room you spend so much time together. We watch a lot of tape together on the opponent for whatever week it is and in the meetings and on the practice field. So happy for him and a special day for everyone in the locker room.”

Both Pickett and McKee did their job, and now Philadelphia has the option of resting its starters in Week 18 as NFC East champions.

“Coming to a team like this was awesome,” Pickett said. “It reminds me of a college feel how much each guy cares for each other. We’re all pulling for each other, and we all leave it all out there and that’s all you can ask for.

“And then you add the talent and that’s what makes it a really special group. It’s been a lot of fun to be here. Don’t want the ride to end so, we’re going to keep working.”