Backup quarterback battle is heating up
Veteran Andy Dalton is pushing Tanner McKee as Jalen Hurts goes on the move
Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/4sfcmt3j
Originally published Aug. 5, 2026
PHILADELPHIA — If Tanner McKee arrived at training camp as the presumed favorite to remain the Eagles’ backup quarterback, Andy Dalton didn’t get the memo.
Through a week and a half of camp, Dalton — who turns 39 in October — has made QB2 a legit position battle.
Dalton, a spring acquisition though hardly a spring chicken, again worked with the second-team offense Wednesday, continuing a rotation that has become less about courtesy and more about competition. The veteran brings 15 seasons of NFL experience and a command of Sean Mannion’s offense.
“I’ve been in this (type of) system multiple times,” Dalton said a day earlier. “I think, quick decision-making, a lot of pure progressions and understanding certain coverages, when you can get off on certain routes and different things. I feel really comfortable with this offense.”
McKee, 26, seemed solidified as the backup until a choppy performance at the Linc in last January’s regular-season finale — a 24-17 loss to a four-win Washington team. McKee was 21 of 40 for 241 yards with a touchdown, a pick and a 68.9 passer rating.
The numbers could have been worse, but it was his jumpy demeanor and lack of readiness that were alarming after impressing in cool fashion in all his previous showings.
McKee has rebounded after an uneven start to camp with several strong practices of his own, but neither he nor Dalton has quite separated himself yet. Sixth-round rookie Cole Payton has been the fourth-stringer.
“Tanner’s been great,” Dalton said. “You can tell the confidence that he has in playing. He’s smart. He understands exactly what we’re trying to do. And so I’ve been impressed with Tanner. It’s been fun.
“The approach I’ve taken is just do nothing but support and kind of build up (the other QBs), especially on the sideline. Just be a sounding board. Whenever they need to let something out, just be there to be able to listen and give the best advice you can.”
The first-team offense, meanwhile, belonged to Jalen Hurts Wednesday — a lighter session after two intense days in full pads.
With receivers DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon and Britain Covey all sidelined with hamstring injuries, Hurts turned in one of his sharper practices of camp, repeatedly pushing the ball downfield while also keeping it himself on several runs as the Eagles continued installing Mannion’s offense.
Hurts even high-stepped toward the end of one long run, clearly enjoying himself.
“Football’s a fun game,” he said afterward, adding that the offense is still in a “calibrating” phase.
“The big things are won in the small moments and the small details,” Hurts said. “Being able to put it all together, operate at a good pace with urgency, making sure everyone’s communicating, everyone’s got all ears, and they’re listening and understanding their assignments and what they’re asked to do. That’s where it all starts.
“We’ve got a lot of new pieces, an entirely new approach and philosophy to our offense. So being able to put that together and make it our own, I’m excited about where we are.”
The quarterback runs have been more noticeable this week, but Hurts said it’s too early to know how much they’ll ultimately become part of the offense.
“It’s too soon to answer yet,” he said. “We’re still installing things and putting all aspects of our offense in. We haven’t finished installing. There’s still more to come, but we’re working and we’re building. I think in training camp, especially with new pieces and a new offense, it’s the ability to retain information and then put it together, go out there, and execute.”
One receiver who has caught Hurts’ attention is Dontayvion Wicks.
“He’s got great work ethic. He’s got a great, great hunger. … He’s got that anger to him. He’s got a little bit of rage in him for the best. … He runs great routes.”
Injury updates
The Eagles appeared to dodge a scare with Cooper DeJean after the defensive back briefly left Tuesday’s practice with an apparent arm injury. He was back in action Wednesday. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio brushed off concerns.
“That’s news to me,” Fangio said about DeJean’s arm.
In addition to Smith, Lemon and Covery being out. Lane Johnson again missed practice for personal reasons. Edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby (ankle), guard Micah Morris (shoulder), guard Jaeden Roberts (calf) and safety Cole Wisniewski (hamstring) also did not practice.
Camp notes
● Michael Carter II continues to make a strong case for a significant role in the secondary. Fangio said he “might be the only guy” learning three positions — safety, nickel and the sixth defensive back package — and added, “He’s had a very good camp.”
● Fangio credited second-year free safety Andrew Mukuba’s improvement to experience more than athleticism. “It’s just the thought process speeding up,” he said.
● Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is “the best I’ve seen him look since we’ve had him,” Fangio said, adding the linebacker is simply playing faster because he’s processing the defense more quickly.
● Jordan Davis’ improved conditioning continues to show up. “He’s had a good camp,” Fangio said. “He’s doing the little things better.”
● Fangio offered an unsolicited endorsement of linebacker Chance Campbell. “Don’t sleep on Chance now,” he said. “We like Chance. Chance is a good football player.”
● Arnold Ebiketie has benefited from Jonathan Greenard’s absence. Fangio said the veteran edge rusher is “having a much better camp.”
● Rookie long snapper Rocco Underwood has impressed special teams coordinator Michael Clay. “He’s doing a great job … while quickly building chemistry with teammates,” Clay said.
● Before his hamstring injury, Lemon continued to impress as a punt returner. “He’s very natural in terms of catching the ball,” Clay said.
● Clay dismissed the notion that kicker Jake Elliott ever fell out of love with football, saying the veteran kicker simply needed to reset mentally and regain confidence.
● The Eagles signed rookie WR Brandon Hayes. He will wear No. 47. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Hayes went undrafted out of Southeastern Louisiana. He was signed to the Eagles roster May 27 before being released June 5. There was an open roster spot after the Eagles waived defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham on Sunday.
● Fangio, a longtime Phillies fan from Scranton, offered his take on the team’s trade deadline — particularly the acquisition of second baseman and three-time batting champ Luis Arráez — saying the moves will “definitely” improve the offense before adding, “We’ll see how it does defensively.” To make room for Arráez at second, Bryson Stott moved to third, Alec Bohm moved to first and Bryce Harper moved back to right field.
Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.