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Eagles QB Tanner McKee Reveals Challenges of 'Pretty Slim' Chances

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee reveals the difficulties of staying ready, even though he is unlikely to see the field during the regular season.
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The conclusion of the Philadelphia Eagles preseason schedule with a 27-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday night signifies that several players who enjoyed significant playing time during the team's three exhibition games will now transition back to their reserve roles.

Among this group of players is third-string quarterback Tanner McKee, who will receive minimal game action during the regular season unless there are serious injuries to Jalen Hurts and Marcus Mariota.

After the team's loss on Thursday night, during which McKee demonstrated glimpses of potential by completing 19 of 34 passes for 158 yards, the rookie quarterback was questioned about the challenges of not getting playing time in the future. In response, the signal-caller conveyed that despite the low chances, he must continue to prepare as though he will step onto the field.

"Getting ready like you are the starter when you know your chances of probably playing are pretty slim is definitely a challenge," McKee said. "I would say at Stanford, I feel like I tried to do that my first year and I actually got to play my first game due to COVID and how crazy that was."

McKee will now look to assist his teammates in preparing for their Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sept. 10.

"It was definitely a lesson learned that you have to be ready because crazy things happen and football is a physical sport and a violent sport," McKee said. "Like I said, we obviously hope that nothing happens, but things do happen."


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