PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles will start Tanner McKee at quarterback in Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys amid significant injury challenges across the offensive lineup.
McKee, a sixth-round draft pick in 2023 making his fourth career start, faces a depleted roster. Wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks are unlikely to play due to hamstring and ankle injuries, respectively. Tight end Dallas Goedert is also questionable with a knee injury, potentially requiring the Eagles to rely on veteran Zach Ertz, who is returning from a torn ACL, or rookie Eli Stowers, who has yet to appear in an NFL game.
The offensive line is similarly impacted. Center Drew Kendall will play while wearing a knee brace, and left guard Landon Dickerson, a former Pro Bowler, is coping with a pectoral strain on top of a recent knee injury. The Eagles will be without right tackle Lane Johnson, who retired on Oct. 6, and Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens, who was traded to Baltimore shortly after Johnson’s retirement. Left tackle Jordan Mailata and right guard Tyler Steen remain the only starting offensive linemen from Week 1 with consistent appearances.
Running back Saquon Barkley, sidelined with a hamstring injury for the past two games, is expected to return, potentially providing the lone consistent skill position presence from the season opener.
McKee, who began the season as the team’s third-string quarterback behind Jalen Hurts and Andy Dalton, has had to adjust rapidly to his expanded role. Hurts ended his season early due to blood clots in his lungs, and Dalton was released on Oct. 9. The Eagles signed Joe Milton on Oct. 16 as further quarterback depth.
Head coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged recent offensive struggles, noting that “everything is on the table” after a disappointing performance against the Carolina Panthers. New offensive coordinator Sean Mannion has been tasked with tailoring the offense to McKee’s strengths rather than those of Hurts. Mannion praised McKee’s mental sharpness, accuracy, and quick release as key attributes to build around.
Despite the adversity, McKee expressed confidence in his leadership role. “When you step into the huddle, you’re expected to be the leader, know where everyone’s supposed to be, get everybody on the right page,” he said. “I want the guys to trust me and know that when I go in there, the offense is going to run smoothly.”
With only four of the original starting offensive players expected to be on the field, Philadelphia faces an uphill battle against Dallas as it looks to salvage the season in Week 7. McKee’s performance over the remaining 11 games will be critical for his future, as he enters the final year of his rookie contract and seeks to establish himself as either a starting quarterback or a valuable backup in free agency.