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Eagles bench Tanner McKee, name Joe Milton starting QB vs. Giants

The Philadelphia Eagles are making a significant change at quarterback, turning to Joe Milton in hopes of finding a spark after six consecutive losses.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Philadelphia is naming Milton its starting quarterback for Sunday's Week 9 matchup against the New York Giants, benching Tanner McKee after three straight losses as the starter.

The decision represents a dramatic reversal for head coach Nick Sirianni, who publicly supported McKee on Monday following Philadelphia's 27-10 loss to the Washington Commanders.

"Tanner's our guy. We're not making any changes there," Sirianni said.

Two days later, the Eagles are moving in a different direction, with Milton becoming the fourth quarterback to throw a pass for Philadelphia this season if he takes the field Sunday.

Eagles turn to Joe Milton after Tanner McKee struggles

McKee took over after Jalen Hurts was lost for the season because of blood clots, but Philadelphia has failed to win any of his three starts. The former Stanford quarterback completed 72 of 114 passes for 638 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions during that stretch. Philadelphia scored just 45 combined points in losses to Carolina, Dallas and Washington.

McKee completed 23 of 34 passes for 212 yards in Sunday's loss to the Commanders, but he also threw an interception and lost a fumble as the Eagles were shut out over the final three quarters.

Philadelphia finished with 268 total yards and averaged just 3.9 yards per play, continuing a troubling offensive decline that has left the Eagles near the bottom of the NFL in several important categories.

The offense has also dealt with injuries and significant personnel changes, creating challenges for first-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion.

However, the inability to consistently sustain drives or generate explosive plays has forced Philadelphia to reconsider its approach.

Joe Milton gets opportunity to revive Eagles offense

Milton joined Philadelphia on Oct. 16 after the Eagles signed him from the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad.

The former Tennessee quarterback entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick of the New England Patriots in 2024 and made his first career start during the final week of his rookie season, helping New England defeat Buffalo.

At 6-foot-5 and 246 pounds, Milton possesses exceptional arm strength and mobility, giving Philadelphia a different skill set at quarterback.

His ability to extend plays, attack downfield, and create opportunities outside the pocket could provide Mannion with additional options after three difficult weeks with McKee.

Milton will be Philadelphia's fourth quarterback to see regular-season action in 2026, following Hurts, Andy Dalton and McKee.

The Eagles enter Sunday's matchup at 2-6 and will have a bye in Week 10, making the game against New York an important opportunity to evaluate Milton before the season's final stretch.

Philadelphia's quarterback change will not solve every problem facing its struggling offense, but Sirianni and the Eagles are hoping Milton can provide the energy and production needed to end their six-game losing streak.

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