Tanner McKee

What are the building blocks that the coaching staff can build upon following the defeat to the Panthers?

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McKee is likely headed for a multi-game run as the Eagles' starter, after Jalen Hurts (calf) was ruled out for Week 6 due to a superficial blood clot before landing on injured reserve Saturday. Rookie fifth-round pick Cole Payton is active as the No. 2 quarterback for Sunday's game behind McKee, who will be making the third start of his four-year career. Unlike Hurts, the 6-foot-6, 231-pound McKee is more of a traditional pocket passer who doesn't offer much of a threat as a runner, but he's been serviceable in directing the Philadelphia offense in his limited opportunities. He's completed 54 of 88 career pass attempts (61. 4 percent) for 597 yards (6. 8 YPA), five touchdowns and one interception.

Coach comments

Sunday will mark McKee's first start in a game that's not a regular-season finale. "Every opportunity is a huge opportunity," the fourth-year quarterback says.

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While the Eagles could look to re-sign the recently released Andy Dalton to give the quarterback room another experienced option in Hurts' absence, McKee looks poised to draw the start after moving ahead of Dalton on the depth chart prior to Week 4. Hurts' availability beyond Week 6 is in flux while the Eagles determine the appropriate course for his treatment, so McKee could be headed for a multi-game run as the team's starter. A 2023 sixth-round pick, McKee has appeared in just six games (two starts) during his four-year career, completing 54 of 88 pass attempts (61. 4 percent) for 597 yards (6. 8 YPA) and a 5:1 TD:INT. Assuming he starts, McKee may have few weapons at his disposal, as running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) and wideout DeVonta Smith (hamstring) were absent from practice Wednesday and could be tracking toward sitting out this weekend.

Injury / practice