Tanner McKee reacts to getting Week 18 to showcase talent
The Philadelphia Eagles improved to 11-5 after holding on for a one-point win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 17. Philadelphia has already clinched a playoff spot by winning the NFC East. And while the team can still improve its seeding, Nick Sirianni there is decided to rest the Eagles’ starters in the regular season finale.
Backup quarterback Tanner McKee will start against the Washington Commanders on Sunday. And third year prof plans to make the most of it his displays in Week 18. “I think any time you get a chance to go on the field, you want to do your best,” McKee said, per Zach Berman of the Athletics.
“I don’t necessarily think, ‘Hey, something’s going to happen.’ Every time you step on the field, you want to perform.”
Tanner McKee makes his second start of Week 18 for the Eagles
Mackey got his only other career start in the regular season finale last year. The sixth-round pick out of Stanford stepped up Jalen Hurts in concussion protocol and then backup Kenny Pickett dealing with a rib injury. While the Eagles also rested their starters in Week 18 last season, McKee played well against the New York Giants.
A well-rested Eagles team beat the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl last year. But Philadelphia hasn’t looked like a legitimate contender this season. The The Eagles offense has struggled with inconsistency. And Philly’s problems were on full display against the Bills in Week 17.
After going into halftime with a 13-0 lead, Philadelphia was shut out over the final two quarters. The team gained just 17 yards in the second half and failed on all five possessions.
There was chatter Benching Hurts for McKee when the Eagles’ panic reached a fever pitch in early December. Reason prevailed and Hurts remains the team’s starter. But if McKee lights up the scoreboard in Week 18, Philadelphia will face a ton of playoff buzz.
For his part, McKee did ready to go on the field. “Super excited for the opportunity. But every week before that I was preparing to play in case I did,” he said, per Berman. “So every week has been pretty similar. It’s nice to get more reps in practice, but I’m excited for the opportunity.”
2026-01-02 08:10:00
