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Tanner McKee faces a big challenge for Eagles, who might soon have to face reality

The Philadelphia Eagles are facing a mounting crisis as quarterback Jalen Hurts’ season is derailed by a superficial blood clot, sidelining him for at least this week’s matchup against the Carolina Panthers. With Hurts out, rookie Tanner McKee—who has started just two career games, both in meaningless Week 18 contests—will take the reins for the first time in a high-stakes environment.

The Eagles have lost three straight games, including two agonizing defeats, and now must navigate a grueling stretch of NFC East showdowns against the Cowboys, Commanders, and division-leading Giants following their bye week. McKee’s transition from backup to starter is complicated by the Eagles’ depleted roster, with 24 players on the injury report and five offensive linemen on injured reserve, including the recent retirement of Lane Johnson and trade of Cam Jurgens.

The offensive line’s struggles are further compounded by the absence of key players like Saquon Barkley and Dontayvion Wicks, while the team’s pocket-passer reliance could expose vulnerabilities with an already shaky unit at center and guard.

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