The Eagles rested their starters for Thursday’s preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, giving backup quarterback Tanner McKee a chance to take the stage. McKee shined against the Bengals’ first-team defense, playing well into the third quarter.
He finished the night 20-of-25 for 252 yards and two touchdowns with six of those completions going to undrafted rookie wide receiver Darius Cooper out of Tarleton State.
Cooper’s 82-yard, one-touchdown performance ensures his name stays in the backup wide receiver conversation. Also making an impact was WR Ainias Smith, who hauled in a six-yard touchdown from McKee and added a 46-yard punt return to his stat sheet.
But most importantly — Eagles Nation needed to know that McKee could deliver a proper “Brotherly Shove” before the night was over. While Philly fans are familiar with his impressive play, Thursday might have been the first time fans outside of the city got a real look at him. Unless, of course, you’re a Giants fan then you remember his 20-13 Week 18 win over New York in the 2024 season.
With McKee tush-pushing his way into QB2 territory, the only QB battle in Philadelphia now appears to be for the third spot between Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Kyle McCord. Thompson-Robinson brings athleticism and dual-threat ability, while McCord has been closing the gap with his accuracy and quick decision-making in practice. It’s shaping up to be an interesting contest to watch.
The Eagles will host the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, August 16, at 1 p.m. for their second preseason game.
