Who Should I Start? Taylor Heinicke or Jalen Hurts

Wednesday, August 28, 8:22 PM

The Los Angeles Chargers are acquiring quarterback Taylor Heinicke from the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday in exchange for a conditional sixth-round draft pick. Not only is starting quarterback Justin Herbert (foot) recovering from plantar fasciitis in his foot, but backup Easton Stick regressed in training camp and the preseason. The 31-year-old Heinicke will be an upgrade at the QB position behind Herbert entering the regular season next week. In Atlanta, the Falcons were expected all along to try and trade Heinicke after taking rookie Michael Penix Jr. in the first round in April. Heinicke made his NFL debut back in 2017 with the Houston Texans and has appeared in 38 games (29 starts) since then with four different teams. His best year came in 2021 with Washington, when he threw for 3,419 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 picks on 321 pass attempts over 16 games (15 starts).

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.