Who Should I Start? Tanner McKee or Graham Mertz

Sunday, August 31, 6:27 PM

Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Tanner McKee (thumb) was not spotted at practice on Sunday, according to Eliot Shorr-Parks of 94WIP. McKee fractured his thumb earlier this month and has not practiced in roughly two weeks. The 25-year-old was solid while filling in last year, as he completed 30 of his 45 pass attempts for 323 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. With Thursday's regular-season opener fast approaching, it appears unlikely that McKee will be healthy enough to suit up. If he's inactive, Sam Howell would operate as the Eagles' No. 2 quarterback behind Jalen Hurts.

Monday, August 25, 6:32 AM

Houston Texans quarterback Graham Mertz got the start in the team's preseason finale in Detroit on Sunday, and the sixth-round rookie had a very strong showing while leading his team to a 26-7 win over the Lions. With starter C.J. Stroud and primary backup Davis Mills getting the day off, Mertz completed 14 of his 16 pass attempts for an efficient 145 passing yards. He threw a touchdown to Quintez Cephus and led three scoring drives before halftime. He also added 20 rushing yards on two carries. Mertz played ahead of Kedon Slovis, who was on the Texans' practice squad last year and took over for the second half of Saturday's win. Mertz likely secured the third spot on the quarterback depth chart with his strong showing, while Slovis could be headed back to the practice squad.