Wed Dec 25 20:40:00 UTC 2024: **Commanders Upset Eagles, Injury Concerns Dominate Week 16 NFL News**

**Washington, D.C. & Around the NFL –** The NFC playoff race experienced a seismic shift after the Washington Commanders stunned the Philadelphia Eagles 36-33 in Week 16. This victory keeps Washington’s NFC East hopes alive, while severely diminishing Philadelphia’s chances of securing the NFC’s top seed.

The Eagles’ loss was compounded by significant injuries. Starting quarterback Jalen Hurts suffered a concussion, and backup Kenny Pickett sustained a rib injury. Hurts’ status remains uncertain as he’s in concussion protocol, leaving the Eagles’ quarterback situation precarious heading into their Week 17 clash with the Dallas Cowboys. Pickett, while indicating he expects to play next week, still underwent X-rays on his ribs.

Elsewhere, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen suffered a hand injury despite his team’s victory over the New England Patriots. Allen reported numbness in his throwing hand after taking a helmet to the elbow. The injury’s severity remains unclear.

In more positive injury news, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens, who has missed the team’s last three games due to a hamstring injury, has been cleared to play in their Christmas Day matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Steelers will be aiming to upset the Chiefs who are looking to secure the AFC’s top seed. The Chiefs have several players listed as questionable including Chris Jones (calf) and Jawaan Taylor (knee).

Several other teams are facing crucial games with playoff implications, including the Detroit Lions, who are vying for the NFC’s top seed. The outcome of the Commanders-Falcons and Packers-Vikings games will also greatly influence the NFC playoff picture.

Other notable injury updates include: Houston Texans receiver Tank Dell, out for the season with a knee injury requiring surgery; Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave, returning from injury; and Chicago Bears offensive tackle Braxton Jones, who suffered a fractured fibula. Jets OT Olu Fashanu will not require surgery for his ankle injury.

The NFL flexed the schedule, moving the Cowboys-Eagles game to an earlier time slot, and the Packers-Vikings game to a later time slot, reflecting the playoff implications of the latter contest.

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