The Philadelphia Eagles are preparing for their Wild Card playoff matchup against the Green Bay Packers, but their quarterback situation has added a layer of uncertainty to their postseason run. Ahead of the game, the Eagles signed quarterback Ian Book, according to NFL insider Aaron Wilson. Book, a former fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame, has limited NFL experience. He appeared in a single game for the New Orleans Saints during the 2021 season, where he threw for 135 yards, completed 60% of his passes, and recorded two interceptions.
Book now joins a quarterback room that includes Jalen Hurts and Kenny Pickett, both of whom have been dealing with injuries. Hurts missed the final two games of the regular season due to a concussion and a left finger injury, while Pickett has been managing a rib injury he sustained in a recent game against the Washington Commanders. Both quarterbacks participated in a limited capacity during Wednesday’s practice, but their availability for the upcoming game remains uncertain.
Head coach Nick Sirianni and the Eagles staff are taking a cautious approach as they finalize preparations for the high-stakes playoff matchup. The Eagles, who are currently 4.5-point favorites against the Packers, per ESPN BET, needed to bolster their quarterback depth, prompting the decision to re-sign Book. Interestingly, Book had been waived by the team earlier in the week but was quickly brought back to the practice squad as insurance for their injury-plagued quarterback corps.
Despite his lack of extensive NFL experience, Book’s signing provides the Eagles with a backup plan as they enter the postseason with questions surrounding the health of their top quarterbacks. The timing of this move highlights the team’s proactive strategy in addressing potential depth concerns.
For the Eagles, the focus remains on advancing past the Packers in what promises to be a competitive Wild Card matchup. While Jalen Hurts is expected to lead the charge if healthy, the addition of Ian Book ensures the Eagles have an emergency option in place. As the team looks to navigate its way through the playoffs, every precautionary measure—like the signing of Book—will be critical in maintaining stability at the quarterback position.
The Eagles’ journey into the postseason has been marked by both opportunity and challenge, and their ability to adapt, especially in the quarterback room, could play a pivotal role in their success.
