The Eagles’ quarterback room took another turn Friday, with Tanner McKee landing on the questionable list for Sunday’s matchup against the New York Giants because of a rib injury.
It comes only four days after Philadelphia benched McKee in favor of Joe Milton. If McKee can’t get cleared in time, fifth-round rookie Cole Payton would step in as the top backup behind the starter.
McKee was limited in Friday’s practice, adding another layer to a situation that has shifted quickly. After Jalen Hurts was placed on injured reserve, McKee took over as the starter in Week 6 and put together a line of 72 completions on 114 attempts for 638 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
“Obviously, that’s always a difficult thing to think through because it isn’t ever just on one person,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said on Friday about benching McKee. “Matter of fact, I think Tanner played solid, but this is just what I felt like we needed to do right at this particular moment to give ourselves the best chance to win this weekend.”
There’s also a bigger picture hanging over McKee’s status. On Friday, Sports Illustrated reported that NFL teams believe the Eagles could try to trade him before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline. If that happens, Payton would be in line to serve as the backup for the rest of the season.
McKee is expected to be playing his final season in Philadelphia and is not expected to re-sign with the team when he becomes a free agent this offseason.
That leaves Milton and Payton as possible long-term answers behind center for the Eagles. Milton arrived last month from the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad, and Sirianni sounded encouraged by what he has seen so far.
“Obviously, he’s talented, and he’s been here for a couple weeks now,” Sirianni said about Milton. “Very talented arm, very talented athlete, can process and make decisions out there.
Just a lot of good qualities that he has. I like his confidence and everything that he brings, and it’s been fun getting to know him and working with him.”
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