The Philadelphia Eagles made an important move at quarterback after Tanner McKee suffered a fracture at the top of his thumb that puts his availability for the start of the season in doubt.
Philadelphia acquired Sam Howell and a 2026 sixth-round pick from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick. The team confirmed the move after McKee was injured during the preseason. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
What happened to Tanner McKee?
McKee, who was considered one of the leading candidates to serve as Jalen Hurts' backup, suffered a fracture at the top of his thumb. The injury is not considered serious enough to place him on injured reserve, but his availability for Week 1 remains uncertain.
The injury is a setback for Philadelphia because McKee had played an important role during training camp and was competing for the No. 2 quarterback position.
The situation prompted the Eagles to immediately strengthen the position, although the team said the Howell trade would have happened regardless of McKee's injury. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Sam Howell arrives in Philadelphia
Howell arrives from Minnesota to add experience behind Jalen Hurts. The quarterback has previous NFL starting experience and gives the Eagles an immediate alternative.
The move also provides Philadelphia with additional security if McKee needs more time to recover.
Howell's arrival comes as NFL teams begin finalizing their 53-man rosters, making the competition for remaining spots particularly intense over the next several days. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
What does it mean for the quarterback competition?
Jalen Hurts remains Philadelphia's unquestioned starter. The question now centers on which quarterbacks will occupy the spots behind him.
Before McKee's injury, the Eagles had an interesting competition involving several quarterbacks. Howell's arrival changes that equation and adds more experience to the group.
Philadelphia will now have to determine how to distribute practice repetitions and which combination provides the most security for a season that begins in just a few weeks.
The Eagles are making moves before final cuts
Howell's acquisition is part of an intense period of activity across the NFL. The league is approaching the 53-man roster limit, and teams are making trades, releases and adjustments to finalize their rosters.
Philadelphia has also made other recent moves, including transactions involving the offensive line and secondary. Howell's arrival confirms that Howie Roseman continues looking for opportunities to improve the roster before the season begins.
The Eagles' official website has highlighted Roseman's continued activity as Philadelphia approaches the start of the campaign. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
When will we know if McKee can play?
There is currently no definitive timetable for McKee's return. The fact that the injury does not require injured reserve leaves open the possibility that he can become available later.
Philadelphia will monitor his progress during upcoming practices and determine whether he can throw without discomfort before the regular season begins.
In the meantime, Sam Howell will have an opportunity to quickly learn the offense and establish himself as a reliable option behind Hurts.
McKee's injury does not change expectations for Philadelphia's starting quarterback, but it does alter the depth at a position where the Eagles have just made an important decision. Howell provides an experienced option while the team waits to learn exactly how much recovery time McKee will need.