The Eagles will be without their backup quarterback for Thursday’s season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
Tanner McKee was officially listed as out for the opener on the Eagles’ Wednesday practice report.
Everyone else — including left guard Landon Dickerson and safety Andrew Mukuba, who did not have injury designations — are eligible to play against Dallas.
Sam Howell is expected to back up Jalen Hurts when the Eagles kick off their 2025 season on Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field.
McKee’s absence isn’t a surprise. The backup quarterback was lights out in the first preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals (20/25, 252 yards, two TDs). But McKee suffered a fractured thumb at the tail-end of training camp and has missed practice since.
McKee’s injury and an up-and-down summer by sixth-round rookie Kyle McCord prompted the Eagles to trade for Howell.
Philadelphia sent a 2026 fifth-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick and Howell, the Washington Commanders’ starter in 2023.
Howell said last week he’ll be ready for the opener against Dallas despite joining the Eagles via a last-second trade.
“I’m happy to be here,” Howell said, “and trying to help in any way that I can.”
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