The Philadelphia Eagles are growing desperate for a replacement for Jalen Hurts, with one potential quarterback option drawing comparisons to NFL legend Tom Brady
: (L-R) Tanner McKee and Jalen Hurts practice during the Super Bowl LIX Pregame
Tanner McKee has replaced Jalen Hurts as the Eagles quarterback (Image: Getty Images)
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With Jalen Hurts ruled out for the remainder of the season, the Philadelphia Eagles are facing growing pressure to find a replacement at quarterback.
Last week, it was announced that Hurts would miss Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers, which the Eagles lost 25-14, after suffering a superficial blood clot in his calf. Philadelphia initially indicated that it would not place the quarterback on injured reserve, but reversed that decision on Saturday.
It has since emerged that doctors discovered multiple blood clots in Hurts' lungs, and he is set to undergo treatment. The latest development rules him out for the rest of the 2026 season, leaving Philadelphia to consider its options at quarterback.
In his absence, Stanford product Tanner McKee made the third start of his NFL career in the Eagles' loss to the Panthers. McKee was not initially expected to serve as Hurts' backup this season after losing the training camp battle to veteran Andy Dalton.
However, Dalton's costly goal-line interception against Chicago Bears in Week 3 opened the door for McKee to take over as the Eagles' No. 2 quarterback. The 26-year-old has served as Philadelphia's backup in recent weeks, with Dalton subsequently released by the team.
Eagles linebacker Zack Baun has compared McKee to Tom Brady, praising the quarterback's confidence, height and ability to get the ball out quickly. Baun believes McKee has the tools to succeed as he steps in for Hurts.
“I love Tanner,” said Baun. “I love that guy so much. I told someone that it’s just seeming like he’s got some sort of Tom Brady career arc to him, because he’s totally capable, he’s tall, he knows where to go with the ball, he gets it out on time and he’s got a lot of confidence in these receivers.”
Tanner McKee #16 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks to pass
Tanner McKee has been compared to Tom Brady
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The Eagles' offense has struggled for consistency this season, with injuries adding to their problems. McKee could now be tasked with leading a depleted lineup as Philadelphia looks to get its campaign back on track.
Wide receiver Britain Covey believes McKee's confidence could help the team find its rhythm, although he acknowledged that the offense still has work to do.
“It’s hard to say because our offense hasn’t quite gotten rolling,” said Covey. “In an ideal world, I think he fits great in this offense. Now, we still gotta find ourselves a little bit. So in that process of finding yourself, you want a guy as confident as Tanner. I think he can help with us finding it.”
Philadelphia faces a crucial stretch of NFC East games, hosting Dallas on Monday night before travelling to Washington and then welcoming the New York Giants. The three divisional matchups come before the Eagles' Week 10 bye, giving them an opportunity to improve their position before the season progresses further into November.
McKee showed promise in his first start of the season against Carolina, throwing a touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith. However, the Eagles managed just 14 points in the 25-14 defeat, highlighting the challenge facing the 26-year-old as he looks to help Philadelphia remain competitive without Hurts.