Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrating his touchdown with teammate Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) AP

The Eagles got a reminder as to how essential Jalen Hurts is to their Super Bowl hopes − and to Saquon Barkley's success.

The Eagles quarterback was hit and appeared to strike his head on the turf at the end of a first-quarter play during Sunday’s game at the Commanders.

On the Eagles’ second-to-last offensive drive, Barkley ran a wheel route down the sideline and beat Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner to get open, but he dropped the pass. A catch would have put the Eagles into Washington’s territory.

The Commanders can inch closer to clinching a playoff spot this weekend if they beat the Eagles. Follow along for live updates and analysis.

Philadelphia Eagles fans weren't the only ones amazed by Saquon Barkley's dominant first quarter against the Washington Commanders on Sunday. Los

The Philadelphia Eagles' hopes for the No. 1 seed took a massive hit after Sunday's loss to the Washington Commanders, a game that would have wrapped up the NFC East and the No. 2 seed in the conference.

The Eagles’ playoff math is pretty straightforward heading into Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders (9-5) — a win and the Birds clinch both the NFC East and the NFC’s No. 2 playoff seed. It’s the No.