Eagles make quarterback shuffle ahead of Cowboys match originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Philadelphia Eagles have their work cut out for them on Monday night, when they're set to host their historic division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, as the team will look to steady their ship after what has been quite a tough set of weeks. The biggest thing to hit the club has been the injury bug, which will keep their top receiving core off the field on Monday night, while keeping their starting quarterback, Jalen Hurts, off the field for what could be the remainder of the season due to multiple blood clots.
Given that Hurts will be out for some time, the Eagles were tasked with finding a solution, which has led them to Tanner McKee, their sixth-round draft pick from the 2023 NFL Draft. McKee has seen some game time over the years, stepping in for the aforementioned Hurts on seven different occasions over the three seasons, but he hasn't had an opportunity like this yet.
In his first match as the starting quarterback this season, McKee recorded 215 yards and a lone touchdown, en route to an Eagles' loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Despite his fair outing, the Eagles haven't stopped tinkering with their quarterback room, which is the case in the immediate lead-up to Monday night's match.
Milton upgraded to backup; Payton will remain third-string quarterback
#Eagles QB Joe Milton was promoted and will now backup starter Tanner McKee. Cole Payton is the emergency third QB.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) October 26, 2026
As reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane, the Eagles have made Joe Milton their second-string quarterback to reinforce McKee if needed, with Cole Payton remaining in the wings.
If Milton takes the field on Monday night, it'll be an interesting thing given that he was formerly a member of the Cowboys, being picked up off of their practice squad by Philadelphia earlier in the month. Last season, Milton made four appearances for Dallas, recording 183 yards and a single touchdown.
So it's clear that the Eagles do have some quality or experienced depth to back up McKee if needed.
Kickoff between Philadelphia and Dallas is slated for 8:15 p.m. EST.