NFL

Photo: Trev W. Adams / Pexels
The Eagles have lost three straight, and today they face Carolina without their two biggest stars. Jalen Hurts is on injured reserve with a blood clot in his calf, and Saquon Barkley is out with a hamstring injury, per ESPN.
That puts Tanner McKee under center. The 26-year-old has two career starts, both in Week 18 games after Philadelphia had already locked up a playoff spot, per the AP. “Somebody said pressure is a privilege, and I really think that’s true,” McKee said, per NFL.com.
The backfield is thin, too. With Barkley, Will Shipley and Tank Bigsby all ruled out, Dameon Pierce is in line for most of the carries, ESPN's Tim McManus reported. The good news is that receiver DeVonta Smith is expected back after missing two games, and the team also signed quarterback Joe Milton for depth.
What's next: The 2-3 Eagles host the 2-2 Panthers at 1 p.m. ET on CBS. Health first for Hurts, and a big chance for McKee.
SOURCES
ESPN (Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport): Eagles QB Jalen Hurts on IR due to blood clot
NFL.com (Kevin Patra): Tanner McKee 'ready to make the most' of starting chance
AP via CBS Sports: Eagles turn to Tanner McKee against Panthers with Jalen Hurts out
ESPN NFL scoreboard data, Oct. 18, 2026 (Panthers at Eagles)


