At the beginning of the season, the Philadelphia Eagles could never have expected one of their Super Bowl backups from last year would be an opponent in 2025. That is becoming a reality.
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll confirmed with the media that former Eagles backup quarterback Kenny Pickett will be making his first start of the season, and he will do it against his old team in Week 15. Pickett came in for Geno Smith in Week 14 after Smith suffered an injury in their game.
Pickett started one game in place of Jalen Hurts last year after suffering a concussion in the loss against the Washington Commanders late in the season. In his one start, Pickett led the Eagles to a win over the Dallas Cowboys, but also got hurt in that game, being replaced by Tanner McKee. In his lone season with Philly, Pickett completed 59% of his passes for 291 yards and three total touchdowns to one interception.
Eagles must now prepare for Pickett back in town
This is one revenge game that doesn't feel like a typical one, as there is no bad blood between the sides. Pickett was beloved in Philly for stepping up for Hurts during his injury and was a part of helping the team win the Super Bowl.
While Pickett won't have revenge in his mind, it'll be more about proving to his old team that he can play. It's a chance for him to start and play to show the NFL he can still start in the league.
The Eagles traded Pickett in the offseason to the Cleveland Browns to give him that shot. Pickett would lose out to Joe Flacco in training camp after getting hurt and missing time, leading to his being traded a second time to the Raiders, where he has been the backup to Smith since.
Read more: Chris Simms stuns with his true Eagles leader while subtly criticizing Jalen Hurts
Philly might have to game-plan a bit differently with Pickett at quarterback instead of Smith, but the goal remains the same: get back in the winning column.