Who Should I Start? Derek Carr or Jalen Hurts

Wednesday, December 25, 9:57 PM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (left hand) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation. The Saints' didn't hold a practice, but if they had, Carr would not have participated. The veteran quarterback is reportedly still regaining strength in left hand after suffering a fracture against the New York Giants back in Week 14. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi recently relayed that Carr didn't want to be shut down for the final two games of the regular season, but the 33-year-old is at the mercy of his injury and recovery. Spencer Rattler was the Saints' quarterback against the Green Bay Packers in Week 16, completing just 15 passes for 153 yards while taking three sacks and losing a fumble. The rookie's poor performance wound up in a 34-0 Saints loss, with New Orleans being the first team held scoreless in 2024. Rattler will remain the Saints' starter if Carr is unable to play against his old team, the Las Vegas Raiders, in Week 17.

Thursday, December 26, 3:07 PM

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion) was not seen at the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday. It's the second straight day that Hurts will be a DNP after suffering a concussion in the Week 16 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders. The good news for the Eagles is that backup Kenny Pickett (ribs) was at practice on Thursday. With both Hurts and Pickett banged up, the Eagles signed Ian Book to their practice squad on Thursday for insurance behind third-stringer Tanner McKee. It remains to be seen if the 26-year-old Hurts will be able to clear the league's concussion protocol in order to play on Sunday against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. Fantasy managers need to have a backup plan in place in case he cannot go. If Hurts misses this weekend's game, it will be an obvious downgrade for the entire Eagles offense. Check back on his status on Friday.