Joe Milton QB1 Change Explained By Eagles' Nick Sirianni After Tanner McKee's Struggles

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni explained to reporters Friday why quarterback Joe Milton III will start in place of Tanner McKee on Sunday against the visiting New York Giants.

"Obviously, that's always a difficult thing to think through, because it isn't ever just on one person. And matter of fact, I think Tanner played solid. But this is just what I felt like we needed to do right at this particular moment to give ourselves the best chance to win this weekend."

McKee has started the last three games in place of three-time Pro Bowler Jalen Hurts, who is out for the season after doctors discovered multiple blood clots in his lungs.

The fourth-year quarterback and ex-Stanford star, who the Eagles selected with a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, has completed 63.2 percent of his passes for 638 yards (5.6 yards per attempt), two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Philadelphia's offense hasn't gotten going, averaging just 15.0 points per game in a trio of losses to drop the Eagles to 2-6. In fairness to McKee, though, he's been placed in a tough spot with the Philadelphia offense so shorthanded this season.

Of note, running back Saquon Barkley (two games), wide receiver DeVonta Smith (four games) and tight end Dallas Goedert (two games) have all missed time due to injuries. Stalwart offensive tackle Lane Johnson retired after three games, and guard Landon Dickerson has played just three contests.

Now Milton will get a shot as the Eagles hope to end their four-game losing streak. Milton, a former Tennessee star and sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, has essentially played one full game in his career, and that was the final regular season game of the 2024 campaign.

He took over for New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, who suffered a right hand injury, after the first drive and completed 22-of-29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown while rushing for one more score in a 23-16 win over the Buffalo Bills, who played backups in the final week of the regular season in advance of the playoffs.

Milton saw a little action in four games for the Dallas Cowboys in 2025 after being traded there in April 2025. He completed 15-of-24 passes for 183 yards (7.6 yards per attempt), one touchdown and two picks.

Philadelphia claimed Milton off the Cowboys' practice squad in October, and now he has a great chance to firmly entrench himself as a QB1 and showcase his talents to the league.