Who Should I Start? Cooper Rush or Tanner McKee

Saturday, August 23, 4:01 PM

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Cooper Rush had a perfect passing day in the 30-3 preseason win over the Washington Commanders, completing all five passes for 59 yards and zero touchdowns. This outing marked a bright spot in what has otherwise been an unimpressive preseason for the 31-year-old, who previously spent eight seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He ends the preseason with 27 completions on 39 attempts for 273 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. Rush is currently listed as the backup quarterback to Lamar Jackson. However, his overall subpar preseason, coupled with Devin Leary's unimpressive play, raises concerns about the Ravens' backup quarterback situation should anything happen to Jackson. Despite the statistical line in this game, it should have no significant impact on Rush's fantasy value as he remains off the radar in redraft leagues.

Sunday, August 24, 2:50 PM

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee (thumb) has suffered a fractured thumb that could lead to him being unavailable for Week 1, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. McKee is not expected to require a stint on injured reserve as the fracture is considered relatively minor. Philadelphia acquired quarterback Sam Howell from the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, so Howell could open the season as the backup to Jalen Hurts while McKee is sidelined. However, Rapoport writes that the Howell trade "likely would've happened" regardless of McKee's injury status, so the Eagles may be planning to carry three quarterbacks. Assuming McKee can make a quick return, he remains the name for fantasy managers to know should Hurts go down with an injury.