The Philadelphia Eagles will start Joe Milton at quarterback in their Week 9 matchup against the NFC East-leading New York Giants, replacing the struggling Tanner McKee. Milton becomes Philadelphia's third starting quarterback of the 2026 NFL season following Jalen Hurts' placement on injured reserve due to blood clots in his lungs.
Head coach Nick Sirianni initially indicated earlier in the week that no quarterback change would be made, but the franchise has opted to make a switch in pursuit of an offensive spark. The Eagles enter the contest on a six-game losing streak, sitting at 2-6 and in last place in the division ahead of their upcoming bye week.
Milton was signed off the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad on October 16, just a day before Hurts was sidelined. The 26-year-old signal-caller has not yet appeared in a regular-season game for Philadelphia, but brings previous experience from stints with the New England Patriots and Dallas. Over his career, he has completed 37 of 53 passes for 424 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, while adding 66 rushing yards and a score on the ground.
McKee started three consecutive games after Hurts went down, losing all three while throwing for 638 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. The Eagles' offense has sputtered during the skid, prompting the coaching staff to look toward Milton's renowned arm strength and athleticism to revitalise the unit.
Selected in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by New England out of Tennessee, Milton spent his college career playing for both Michigan and Tennessee. He was traded to Dallas ahead of the 2025 season and served as a backup before moving to their practice squad earlier this autumn.
The New York Giants arrive at Lincoln Financial Field leading the division with a 4-2-1 record following their bye week. Following Sunday's encounter with the Giants, the Eagles will take their bye week before returning in Week 11 to face the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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