Nick Sirianni holds back Eagles backup quarterback designation for Week 1

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 4:51 PM

Last updated Sep 9, 2026

Nick Sirianni holds back Eagles backup quarterback designation for Week 1

Summary

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni declined to name a backup quarterback for the team’s Week 1 game against the Washington Commanders. The team’s official depth chart lists both Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton with the second team. Sirianni confirmed during a Wednesday press conference that he will not reveal his decision regarding the reserve role for competitive reasons. He cited a desire to prevent the Commanders from preparing for a specific backup option ahead of Sunday’s kickoff. Jalen Hurts remains the starting quarterback for the Eagles. The team may withhold the final decision on the backup position until the submission of inactive lists on Sunday.

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Key Details

•Nick Sirianni will not name a backup quarterback before Sunday.
•The Eagles depth chart lists Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton with the second team.
•The head coach intends to withhold the decision to prevent opponent preparation.
•A final designation may not be public until inactive lists appear Sunday.

Latest Updates

4:51 PMYahoo Sports — Nick Sirianni declines to name a backup quarterback for Week 1

What they're saying

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The Eagles did not specify whether Tanner McKee or Andy Dalton will be their backup quarterback when they released their depth chart for Week 1 and head coach Nick Sirianni passed on a chance to do so during a Wednesday press conference as well.
— Yahoo Sports

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