Andy Dalton takes Eagles backup quarterback role for season opener
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 13, 2026, 7:03 PM
Last updated Sep 13, 2026
The Philadelphia Eagles designated Andy Dalton as the team's primary backup quarterback behind starter Jalen Hurts for their season opener against the Washington Commanders. The team finalized its decision following a summer-long competition between Dalton and Tanner McKee. While the Eagles previously listed both players as co-backups on the depth chart, McKee was named among the team's inactives for Sunday's game. McKee is designated as the emergency third quarterback, meaning he can only enter the contest if both Hurts and Dalton are sidelined by injury or disqualification. Dalton, a 15-year veteran, joined the Eagles in March following a trade with the Carolina Panthers. He solidified his spot after completing 12-of-19 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown during the final preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
- •Andy Dalton is the active backup quarterback for Philadelphia against Washington.
- •Tanner McKee is inactive but remains the designated emergency third quarterback.
- •Dalton joined Philadelphia in March after a trade with the Carolina Panthers.
- •The Eagles kept four quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster.
- •Rookie Cole Payton is also inactive for the Eagles.
- 7:03 PMYahoo Sports — Andy Dalton wins Eagles’ backup quarterback job over Tanner McKee
- 7:03 PMYahoo Sports — Andy Dalton named Eagles' backup quarterback over Tanner McKee
- 7:02 PMYahoo Sports — Andy Dalton is active as the Eagles' backup quarterback
"The Eagles were mum about their backup quarterback this week, but we finally got the answer 90 minutes ahead of their game against the Commanders.
"Andy Dalton will back up Jalen Hurts against Washington after winning the Eagles’ summer competition with Tanner McKee
"Eagles quarterback Andy Dalton, Cincinnati's starting QB from 2011 to 2019, is backing up Jalen Hurts in Philly.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 13, 2026, 7:03 PMAndy Dalton wins Eagles’ backup quarterback job over Tanner McKee
Andy Dalton will back up Jalen Hurts against Washington after winning the Eagles’ summer competition with Tanner McKee
- Yahoo SportsSep 13, 2026, 7:03 PMAndy Dalton named Eagles' backup quarterback over Tanner McKee
Eagles quarterback Andy Dalton, Cincinnati's starting QB from 2011 to 2019, is backing up Jalen Hurts in Philly.
- Yahoo SportsSep 13, 2026, 7:02 PMAndy Dalton is active as the Eagles' backup quarterback
The Eagles were mum about their backup quarterback this week, but we finally got the answer 90 minutes ahead of their game against the Commanders.
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