Andy Dalton named Eagles’ backup quarterback ahead of Week 1 vs. Washington
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Andy Dalton (14) is pressured by New England Patriots linebacker Gabe Jacus during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Just over an hour ahead of kickoff, the Eagles finally revealed their plan for their backup quarterback.
Tanner McKee will be inactive as the emergency third quarterback for the Eagles Sunday afternoon when they host the Washington Commanders. Andy Dalton will back up Jalen Hurts.
Neither did anything particularly impressive in the preseason to separate themselves in the QB2 battle. The Eagles listed both players as co-backups on its depth chart. Nick Sirianni declined to reveal the decision during the week.
Dalton, who turns 39 at the end of October, was traded to the Eagles by the Carolina Panthers in March for a 2027 seventh-round pick. If Hurts has to leave the game for any reason, rest assured the one coming in for him is a season veteran. This is Dalton’s 16th season and sixth different team.
McKee, 26, was Hurts’ primary backup last season and the QB3 in 2024. He has shown promise in his two career starts, but did not take the extra step that was envisioned this summer.
Here is the full list of Eagles inactives against the Commanders:
QB Tanner McKee (3rd QB)
QB Cole Payton
WR Elijah Moore
OLB Jonathan Greenard
G Micah Morris
For the Commanders:
WR Luke McCaffrey
WR Treylon Burks
QB Athan Kaliakmanis (3rd QB)
DT Ricky Barber
G Tanoa Togiai
Benjamin Goldstein
Benjamin Goldstein is a Sports Media major at Temple University and an aspiring sportscaster and journalist. Since 2017, he has covered Philadelphia sports as the founder, editor, writer, and podcast host of Philly Sports Reports. In addition, Benjamin is a freelance sports writer for The Temple News, a radio host on WHIP Radio, and interned with the WBCB Sports Network on 1490 AM for four years. Through his coverage and media work, he has had the opportunity to meet Phillies owner John Middleton in his suite and has been recognized as KYW Newsradio’s Philadelphia Sports Fan of the Week.
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