While navigating through a snowstorm during an NFC Divisional Playoff victory against the Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts hobbled along, and at one stage, it appeared the 2-time Pro Bowler might not continue.
With Hurts appearing to be hindered by a knee injury sustained in the third quarter of a 28-22 victory — he even conceded a safety at one moment — doubts emerged regarding Hurts’ fitness to continue playing.
The backup quarterback for Hurts this entire year has been former first-round selection Kenny Pickett, who is likewise managing injuries from bruised ribs. Swiftly, particularly on social platforms, there were demands to bypass Pickett in favor of third-string backup quarterback Tanner McKee.
In two regular-season matches in 2024 — substituting for Pickett at the conclusion of a 41-7 victory against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17 and beginning a 20-13 triumph over the New York Giants in Week 18 — McKee completed 30 of 45 passes for 323 yards, 4 touchdowns, and no interceptions.
“Tanner McKee” swiftly turned into a trending subject on X during the Eagles-Rams matchup, with some fans even preferring him over Hurts, who inked a 5-year, $255 million contract extension in March 2023.
“If Jalen is hurt, opt for Tanner McKee instead of Kenny Pickett,” X user @Glenjr1988 posted.
“Can’t persuade me that Tanner McKee isn’t a more suitable option for this Eagles offense compared to the injured Jalen Hurts,” tweeted user @DrezdanDale.
“I’m labeling this an EMERGENCY and bypassing Kenny Pickett to directly select Tanner McKee,” Twitter user @TheBirdsBlitz stated.
Hurts Struggled with Injuries Towards End of Regular Season
Hurts effectively sat out the last 3 regular season games after leaving a Week 16 defeat against the Washington Commanders due to a concussion, subsequently missing both of the final 2 regular season games while in concussion protocol.
Hurts has performed efficiently but not impressively in the 2 games following his return, passing for 131 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions in a 22-10 NFC Wild Card victory against the Green Bay Packers, and passing for 128 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions in the triumph over the Rams.
After a 27-13 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15 — marking the Eagles’ 10th straight win — Hurts informed The Associated Press that he had been competing with a fractured finger on his left, non-throwing hand.
After the victory against the Rams, Hurts appeared assured that he would be ready to compete against the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game on January 26.
“Challenging match,” Hurts commented. “A difficult game.” I managed to complete the game and we’ll observe how the week unfolds.
McKee Astonished by Elevated Passing
McKee, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 231 pounds, was selected as a sixth round pick (No. 188 overall) from Stanford by the Eagles in the 2023 NFL draft.
“I have to award the Eagles the Quarterback Factory Award,” stated The Ringer’s Diante Lee on “The Ringer NFL Show Podcast” after the Week 18 match. “Honestly, this time.” I’m not ridiculing them. They inserted Kenny Pickett and he performed effectively. He appeared to be a Pro Bowl caliber quarterback, based on his production and stats… then he gets injured, and Tanner McKee steps in, performing just as well as Kenny Pickett.
