Eagles' Backup QB for Opener Becomes Clear at 1st Practice

Jun 10, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) addresses media during a press conference at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Jun 10, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) addresses media during a press conference at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Eagles are officially in game mode with the season opener only days away now. However, there are still a few question marks the team either hasn't answered yet or simply can't at the moment.

One uncertain piece of the operation ahead of Week 1 is who will operate as Jalen Hurts' top backup. Current QB2 Tanner McKee is dealing with a fractured thumb that's limited him since the final week of the preseason.

And though McKee isn't expected to miss extended time, he's already trending in the wrong direction for Week 1.

At the Eagles' first Week 1 practice on Sunday, McKee was spotted not wearing his helmet and only participating in individual drills. This shows the 2023 sixth-round pick isn't at all 100% if the team is protecting him like this, and it hints at him riding the pine in the opener as he looks to get the thumb of his throwing hand right again.

After all, there are only a few practices left before Thursday's clash, and Philly will want to see McKee as a full participant before clearing him to potentially play in case of a QB emergency. The door isn't completely shut, but McKee would need a miraculous and quick recovery to be in game consideration.

Meanwhile, McKee being limited to begin preparations for the Cowboys opens up valuable reps for Sam Howell, who's on a crash course to learn this system after just being added via trade just over a week ago. Luckily, he has plenty of NFL experience on his side, starting all 17 games for the rival Washington Commanders in 2023, so he won't be a deer in the headlights if he's needed to take the field.

Of course, what to expect from Howell should he be called upon is completely unknown. He posted an NFL-high 21 interceptions in 2023, though he also put up 21 TDs through the air and came in just shy of 4,000 yards. He's also only turning 25 years old in September, meaning the QB has a mix of potential and raw talent that needs to be refined, which could benefit (or hurt) the Eagles if his number is called.

Hopefully for Philly and Howell's sake, he'll become the next starter-turned-backup who redeems himself. There's no better situation for the former Commanders fifth-rounder to learn in this year than with the defending champs, and the Eagles clearly think highly of him, given their more-than-adequate trade package to bring him in.

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