McKee’s spot as No. 2 quarterback not secure

McKee looked to be comfortable in the pocket to start but things quickly unravelled, with the veteran backup unable to improve upon a 21-yard completion to rookie Makai Lemon in the first quarter as he remained incapable of attacking downfield. Lemon would also be the recipient of McKee’s lone touchdown toss, marking the second consecutive start with just one touchdown pass in relief of Jalen Hurts. The offense looked far more functional while Saquon Barkley was on the field, but the veteran back was in and out of the lineup from the second quarter through the fourth, before ultimately being deemed questionable to return and missing the final frame. The Eagles drop their fifth straight for the first time since 2016 as they fall further behind the Giants for the division lead. McKee is not worth rostering ahead of a Week 8 divisional tilt against the Commanders.

Dalton had a chance to re-sign with the Eagles after being let go by them earlier in the week, but he spurned them to sign with Atlanta. The 38-year-old vet will presumably serve as the Falcons’ third-string QB for now, but could be one injury away from seeing playing time. Dalton threw for 293-1-1 on 37 pass attempts for the Panthers last season and has not started more than five games in a season since 2022.

The Eagles released Dalton less than two weeks ago. According to Florio, the Eagles reached out to Dalton with an offer after Jalen Hurts’ superficial blood clot moved in his calf, resulting in an indefinite sidelining, and Dalton told the Eagles, “no, thank you.” Florio did not reveal where Dalton plans to sign, but we should get word on that before long.

The very first play of the game was a play-action pass where McKee was sacked for an 11-yard loss. That began what was a rough first half for McKee, but he made some nice throws in the second half, including a beautiful over-the-shoulder throw to DeVonta Smith for a touchdown. When McKee wasn’t under pressure, he was happy to stand in the pocket and take shots down the field, which helped Smith and Dallas Goedert put together usable fantasy days, but McKee obviously does not avoid pressure in the pocket the way that Jalen Hurts does. He could put together a solid day next week against a vulnerable Cowboys defense.

Fowler reportedly spoke to “some people who are hopeful” that Hurts can avoid injured reserve. He described the situation as being “very much touch and go” and said Tanner McKee will “probably” start multiple games. The Eagles go on bye in Week 10, so if Hurts does land on injured reserve, the Eagles’ Week 11 game against the Steelers would be his earliest possible return.

Hurts’ blood clot was initially a superficial issue in his calf. Unfortunately, the clot has moved and the situation now appears to be quite serious and, per Rapoport, “scary.” Rapoport said Hurts will now undergo treatment, “which, a lot of times, is blood thinners.” If that treatment option is deemed necessary, Hurts would not be allowed to play. Rapoport believes Hurts will be sidelined in Week 6 “and likely beyond.” Tanner McKee is his replacement.

McKee, 26, is a towering pocket passer (6'6/231) with 97 career dropbacks. He has two career starts and has made appearances in two other contests, averaging 6.8 yards per attempt and a 73.8 percent adjusted completion rate. McKee was the subject of trade rumors last offseason, but luckily, the Eagles kept him. He faces a Panthers secondary missing its two starting perimeter cornerbacks, though he has almost exactly 72 hours to get himself ready and the Eagles’ pass-catching corps is banged up. He is a viable QB2 in superflex formats, but he offers a wide range of potential outcomes. McKee is backed up by rookie Cole Payton. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo thinks the team could reunite with Andy Dalton, whom they released last week.

Dalton is “an option” for the Eagles, who are down to two available quarterbacks this week, Tanner McKee and rookie Cole Payton, with Jalen Hurts having been ruled out preemptively due to a superficial blood clot in his calf. The Eagles released Dalton last week. A few teams have reportedly checked in with Dalton since his release, “though there’s familiarity and a clear role in Philly for him if he decides to return.”

The Eagles released an official statement announcing the news. Per their statement, Hurts took a cleat to the calf in Week 4. He went in for treatment the following Thursday and an ultrasound revealed the blood clot. Doctors ultimately cleared him to play in Week 5. He continued to receive treatment over the next two days. After practice on Wednesday (yesterday), a follow-up ultrasound revealed movement in the small blood clot. The team has now ruled him out for Week 6 as they determine the next course of action. They didn’t comment on how long Hurts will be out, but it’s possible this is a long-term issue for the veteran quarterback. Tanner McKee will draw the start versus Carolina.

Dalton was demoted to the QB3 spot after throwing an end zone interception while Jalen Hurts was going through a concussion check in Week 3. Someone will take his spot on the active roster. We just don’t know who that will be. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is making moves. Expect more to follow.