Who Should I Start? Tanner McKee or Quinn Ewers

Friday, October 16, 12:35 PM

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee will make his 2026 debut and start against the Carolina Panthers in Week 6. McKee will fill in for Jalen Hurts (calf) who is out due to a superficial blood clot in his calf. Hurts played without limitation and threw a season-high 40 passes in a heartbreaking 19-17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London in Week 5, but the superficial blood clot was discovered via an ultrasound the Saturday before the game. However, ahead of Week 6, a follow-up ultrasound revealed movement in the small blood clot and Hurts will be out for the game against the Panthers at minimum, according to the team. Amidst a three-game losing streak, the already short-handed Eagles will now turn to McKee. The Panthers allow 230.8 passing yards per game (22nd in the NFL) and allow 6.4 yards per completion (13th in the NFL). According to Pro Football Reference, Carolina gives up 19.4 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks (25th in the NFL). McKee is yet to take a snap in 2026, but has played in six career games, with two starts. He has completed 54 out of 88 pass attempts (61.4%) for 597 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. Entering Week 6, McKee ranks as RotoBaller's No. 26 quarterback. He is projected to score 13 fantasy points. Unless there are no other suitable options, McKee does not need to be picked up on the waiver wire or started until he proves what he can do. It is possible Hurts misses multiple weeks, so McKee will be somebody to watch moving forward.