Report: Eagles Bench Tanner McKee, Start Joe Milton vs. Giants

The Philadelphia Eagles are turning to Joe Milton III at quarterback for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants, according to reports Wednesday from NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Tanner McKee is being benched after three starts, all losses, as Philadelphia tries to arrest a six game losing streak.

The move changes the immediate starter while Jalen Hurts remains unavailable. McKee took over after Hurts went on injured reserve because of blood clots. The latest change gives Milton an opportunity to lead the offense rather than simply provide depth behind another replacement.

Philadelphia signed Milton from Dallas’s practice squad in October. The Eagles’ announcement described a quarterback known for arm strength and athleticism, adding a different skill set to a room that had already undergone considerable change.

Milton began his college career at Michigan before transferring to Tennessee. He stepped in for the injured Hendon Hooker and helped Tennessee beat Clemson in the Orange Bowl, earning the game’s most valuable player award. New England selected him in the sixth round of the draft.

That background explains the interest in what he can offer, but it does not establish how Philadelphia’s offense will perform against the Giants. A new quarterback still has to operate within the blocking and receiving support available on Sunday.

For McKee, the immediate consequence is a return to a reserve role after failing to deliver a victory during his starting stretch. For Milton, the assignment offers a chance to turn a recent roster move into a larger role.

The reporting establishes the expected quarterback change for this matchup. It does not announce a timetable for Hurts’s return or promise Milton the job beyond the next game. Philadelphia’s remaining practice reports and game day decisions will provide the next information about the personnel around him.