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Tanner McKee: I'm ready to make the most of "huge opportunity"

Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Tanner McKee has earned his first career start after Jalen Hurts suffered a setback with a blood clot in his calf, ruling him out for at least this week’s matchup against the Carolina Panthers. McKee, a sixth-round pick in 2023, had previously been slotted as the third-string option but climbed to the No.

2 spot on the depth chart by Week 6. With Hurts sidelined and the Eagles already locked into the playoffs, McKee will take the field Sunday in a high-pressure situation, though the team’s broader injury concerns add an extra layer of challenge.

The rookie expressed excitement about the opportunity, emphasizing his readiness to capitalize on the moment—even if the circumstances aren’t ideal for a backup to step in and deliver a standout performance.

McKee’s path to the starting role reflects both his resilience and the Eagles’ unpredictable injury timeline. Though he’d only started two meaningless Week 18 games last season, his steady progress through the preseason and regular-season practice squads paid off.

Now, with the entire NFL watching, he’ll face a Panthers defense that could test even the most seasoned veterans. The Eagles’ offensive line, already dealing with its own personnel issues, will be under scrutiny as McKee navigates his first full game without the luxury of a proven playbook adjustment period.

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