Jalen Hurts injury update: Eagles QB suffers concussion vs. Commanders, ruled out

The Eagles are in the midst of a magical season, but the magic could run out quickly without their star quarterback.

Jalen Hurts is one of the Eagles players that Philadelphia can least afford to lose. That is exactly what happened on Sunday, as the quarterback left the team's Week 16 matchup with a head injury.

The Eagles are hoping to clinch the NFC East with a win while keeping pace in the race for the NFC's top seed. Now, they'll instead have to worry about the health of a quarterback they don't have the ability to replace.

Here's the latest on Hurts.

Jalen Hurts injury update

Hurts has been ruled out with a concussion.

He will now enter the league's concussion protocol and has to clear the five-step process before returning to game action. The Eagles have just two games left in the regular season, with a matchup against the Cowboys looming in Week 17. They will close the season against the Giants.

Hurts was evaluated for a concussion, per the Eagles, after his head was slammed onto the turf during a first quarter scramble against the Commanders.

Kenny Pickett is in to replace Hurts and capped off his first drive with a touchdown pass to A.J. Brown. Pickett was also in on the ensuing Eagles offensive possession and will lead the team the rest of the way today.

Hurts, after entering the blue medical tent, appeared briefly with his helmet on, appearing to come back into the game. However, he was then taken into the locker room for further evaluation.

What is concussion protocol in the NFL?

The NFL's concussion protocol is designed to ensure a player's safety after suffering a head injury. It's a five-step process that a player has to clear before they can return to play. Those steps are, as defined by the NFL:

1. Symptom limited activity

2. Aerobic exercise

3. Football specific exercise

4. Club-based non-contact training drills

5. Full football activity/clearance

Before a player enters the protocol, they are evaluated on the sideline. The tests are conducted by the team's physician and unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant. The evaluation includes observing any "no-go" symptoms, which are things like loss of consciousness, confusion, amnesia and more, in addition to history of concussions, other signs/symptoms and video review.

At that point, a neurological exam is conducted and the player is escorted to the locker room if the sideline evaluation leaves any doubt. Since Hurts was taken to the locker room, we can assume that he didn't meet all the criteria and required the more in-depth assessment.

Now in the protocol, Hurts will have to complete those five steps in order to receive medical clearance before being able to play again.

Eagles QB depth chart

Here's a look the Eagles remaining quarterback depth chart without Hurts:

• Kenny Pickett

• Tanner McKee (emergency QB)

McKee is the designated emergency quarterback on Sunday, meaning he will only enter the game if both Hurts and Pickett are forced out of action.

Jalen Hurts stats

Hurts was only 1-for-4 passing before exiting, completing his only pass for 11 yards. He also added three carries for 41 yards.

(This story has been updated.)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jalen Hurts concussion: Eagles QB injured vs. Commanders, ruled out