Tanner McKee will start at quarterback for the Eagles this Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, stepping in for Jalen Hurts, who is out with a superficial blood clot. The injury sidelines Hurts for at least this week, leaving McKee to lead a Philadelphia offense already stretched thin by injuries and roster changes.
Hurts’ diagnosis was announced after the Eagles suffered three consecutive losses, two of which were narrow defeats. Backup quarterback Andy Dalton, who began the season as Hurts’ understudy, was released following an interception in Week 3, leaving McKee as the next option. McKee has only two career starts, both in late-season games with no playoff implications. Last season, he went 21-of-40 for 241 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a Week 18 loss to the Commanders.
The Eagles’ injury report lists 24 players, with five offensive players on injured reserve. Their offensive line has been particularly affected, losing right tackle Lane Johnson to retirement and trading away left guard Cam Jurgens. Center Drew Kendall is recovering from a knee injury but has returned to practice, while Tyler Steen is limited with a shoulder issue. Landon Dickerson remains on injured reserve but entered a 21-day practice window this week.
McKee’s style contrasts sharply with Hurts’ mobile approach. A pocket passer, McKee has little rushing experience, with just 13 career attempts mostly kneeldowns. His limited mobility could be problematic behind an offensive line weakened by injuries and roster changes. He took three sacks in his Week 18 start last season and two in the 2024 season opener.
The running back situation is also precarious. Saquon Barkley and Will Shipley both missed practice on consecutive days with hamstring and foot injuries, respectively. With Tank Bigsby on injured reserve and limited depth behind him, the Eagles may rely heavily on Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele. The running game will be crucial to easing pressure on McKee, who faces a challenging stretch of games.
Wide receiver DeVonta Smith returned to practice after weeks sidelined, but Dontayvion Wicks was downgraded to “did not practice” on Thursday with a hamstring injury. The offensive coordinator, Sean Mannion, and head coach Nick Sirianni face a daunting task adapting the offense to McKee’s skill set. Sirianni has praised McKee’s decision-making and accuracy, noting he has thrown only one interception in 88 NFL pass attempts.
Philadelphia’s schedule remains tough. After facing Carolina, the Eagles play divisional rivals Dallas Cowboys on Monday night, then visit the Commanders and host the division-leading Giants before their Week 10 bye on November 9. The Eagles currently sit at 2-3, having won their only division game so far.
Hurts’ injury is officially week-to-week, and the team is relieved the clot is not a deep vein thrombosis, which would have required blood thinners and likely ended his season. Still, there is no guarantee Hurts will be cleared for the next game, making McKee’s role potentially longer than initially expected.
This situation raises questions about the Eagles’ approach to the trade deadline on November 10, the day after their bye week. General manager Howie Roseman has been active in past seasons, but the 2024 season has seen less trading activity. The recent trade of Jurgens was the first deal this year and may hint at a possible shift toward selling assets to prepare for the future.
Several players, including Landon Dickerson and Nolan Smith, could be on the move. Dickerson, whose contract situation will be decided next offseason, may be available. Smith’s contract could make him a valuable trade asset. The Eagles will have to weigh whether they can turn their fortunes around with McKee at quarterback or begin reshaping the roster for next season.
For now, McKee faces a critical challenge to steady an Eagles offense and team reeling from injuries and uncertainty. The next few games will reveal how well he can manage the offense and whether the Eagles remain contenders in a division marked by instability.
According to Yahoo Sports.
