The Philadelphia Eagles have settled on Tanner McKee as Joe Milton's backup quarterback for Sunday's Week 9 matchup against the New York Giants, despite the former starter dealing with a cracked rib, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
McKee is listed as questionable after sustaining the injury on the opening drive of Philadelphia's 27-10 loss to the Washington Commanders last week.
Although the 26-year-old managed to finish that contest, completing 23 of 34 passes for 212 yards with one interception and a lost fumble, his availability for Sunday's game remained uncertain. He participated fully in Wednesday's practice but was limited during Thursday and Friday's sessions because of the injury.
McKee's move to the backup role comes after the Eagles decided to start Milton following three consecutive losses with the Stanford product under center. McKee went 0-3 after replacing quarterback Jalen Hurts, throwing for 638 yards and two touchdowns against two interceptions on 72-of-114 passing.
Philadelphia managed just 45 points across those three defeats, contributing to a six-game losing streak that has dropped them to 2-6 and last place in the NFC East.
Head coach Nick Sirianni initially backed McKee as the starter on Monday, but the decision changed two days later. Milton, whom Philadelphia acquired from the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad on October 16, will now get the opportunity to lead the offense.
The former sixth-round selection has recorded 424 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions across five career appearances. He has not started an NFL game, but Sirianni pointed to his arm strength and athletic ability when explaining the change.
Rookie Cole Payton, a fifth-round selection from North Dakota State, is the only other quarterback on the Eagles roster. McKee's expected availability therefore gives Philadelphia another experienced option behind Milton.
The Eagles will host the 4-2-1 Giants at Lincoln Financial Field, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on FOX.