With the regular season coming to a close, the Philadelphia Eagles are turning to Tanner McKee in Week 18, giving the young quarterback a rare and meaningful opportunity as several starters, including Jalen Hurts, take the week off to prepare for the playoffs.
McKee, who has mostly appeared in mop-up duty this season, will make his first start since last year’s season finale. While he has handed the ball off and knelt out games in limited action, this start represents a very different challenge. The Eagles still have seeding implications, and McKee knows this is not a casual audition.
“It’s obviously fun when something is on the line,” McKee said this week. “Any time you get a chance to go out there and compete, especially in a situation like this, it’s exciting.”
The 25-year-old quarterback admitted that the transition from backup reps to game-day responsibility comes with adjustments. Instead of observing from the sideline, McKee will be fully responsible for setting protections, making reads, and handling pressure in real time. He emphasized that preparation has been the key to staying comfortable.
“You’re more involved in everything,” McKee explained. “You’re making the calls, doing your footwork, reacting instead of thinking too much. With more reps, you gain confidence, and I feel like I’m at that point now.”
This start could also carry weight beyond Sunday. McKee is entering the final year of his contract next season, and strong tape could influence how the Eagles view his future or how other teams evaluate him. Coaches have consistently praised his poise and command in practice, and this game offers a chance to validate that trust under live conditions.
One of the biggest reasons McKee feels prepared is the guidance he has received from Jalen Hurts throughout the season. Although Hurts will be watching from the sideline, his impact on McKee’s development has been significant.
Late in the week, McKee made it clear that Hurts’ mentorship played a major role in getting him ready for this moment.
“Jalen’s been huge for me,” McKee said. “From film study to how he prepares during the week, he’s always willing to explain things and talk through situations. I’m really grateful for the way he’s helped me stay ready, even when I wasn’t getting many snaps.”
McKee added that Hurts constantly emphasized mental preparation and confidence, reminding him that opportunities in the NFL can come quickly.
“He always told me, ‘Stay ready, because you never know when it’s your turn,’” McKee said. “That stuck with me.”
As the Eagles look ahead to the postseason, Week 18 may be about rest and preservation for most of the roster. For Tanner McKee, however, it is a moment years in the making. With preparation behind him and guidance from the franchise quarterback, Sunday becomes a chance to prove that he belongs when the lights are on.
