Dickerson unaware of Eagles quarterback change
A surprising breakdown in communication appears to have struck the Philadelphia Eagles, as Pro Bowl guard Landon Dickerson was reportedly unaware of the team’s decision to bench quarterback Tanner McKee. The move, which elevates Joe Milton III to the starting role, comes as the franchise grapples with a six-game losing streak, and represents a significant Eagles quarterback change.
The decision was made on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, ahead of a crucial Week 9 divisional game against the New York Giants. The Eagles’ desperate bid to salvage their season by changing quarterbacks seems to have caught at least one key player on the offensive line completely by surprise.
A disconnect in the locker room after the Eagles quarterback change
This divisional clash is one of several important NFC games this week, with other matchups, including the Los Angeles Rams and Washington Commanders.
When questioned by reporters about the quarterback switch, Dickerson’s response was one of genuine confusion. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” the veteran lineman stated, according to The Athletic’s Brooks Kubena. The news, first broken by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and ESPN’s Adam Schefter, had apparently not filtered down to everyone in the locker room.
Dickerson elaborated that both McKee and Milton had been splitting repetitions in practice throughout the week. He claimed he had no official confirmation that the coaching staff had settled on a new starter. Asked directly if he understood Milton would get the start against the Giants, his answer was a blunt, “Not to my understanding.”
This apparent lapse in communication raises questions about the internal dynamics of a team under immense pressure. For a starting offensive lineman not to be officially informed of who will be taking snaps behind him is unusual. It suggests a rushed decision-making process or a potential disconnect between the coaching staff and its players during a turbulent period.
Why the Eagles benched Tanner McKee
The Eagles’ hand was forced by a disastrous run of form that has seen their record plummet to 2-6. The team is currently mired in a six-game losing streak, a dramatic collapse for a franchise with recent championship success. The change at quarterback is a clear attempt to inject life into a stagnant offense.
Tanner McKee started the last three games, losing all of them. During that stretch, the offense averaged just 15 points per game. McKee completed 72 of 114 passes for 638 yards, throwing for two touchdowns and two interceptions. While not catastrophic, his performance wasn’t enough to produce wins.
The move represents a swift reversal from Head Coach Nick Sirianni. Just two days before the benching, on Monday, November 2, Sirianni publicly stated, “Tanner’s our guy, we’re not making any changes there.” This vote of confidence quickly evaporated, highlighting the escalating sense of urgency within the organization to stop the slide.
This all stems from the season-ending injury to star quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs. Without their leader, the Eagles have struggled to find any consistency, leading them to gamble on a new signal-caller.
Who is new starter Joe Milton III?
Philadelphia is turning to a player who has been with the team for less than a month. Joe Milton III was signed off the Dallas Cowboys practice squad on October 16, 2026. The 26-year-old quarterback is known for his physical tools, standing at an imposing 6-foot-5, 246 pounds with a powerful arm capable of throwing a football over 62 mph.
Despite his physical gifts, Milton has limited NFL experience. He was originally a sixth-round draft pick by the New England Patriots in 2024 and has played in just five career games, all as a reserve. His total career stats before this start are modest: 37-for-53 passing for 424 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
However, the Eagles are likely looking at his lone standout performance as a reason for hope. In Week 18 of the 2024 season with the Patriots, Milton started against the Buffalo Bills and delivered an impressive showing. He completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown, adding another score on the ground without committing any turnovers.
That performance showcased the dual-threat potential that Philadelphia hopes can spark its offense. Coach Nick Sirianni praised Milton’s work ethic since arriving. “I think he’s worked really hard,” Sirianni said. “He is always in the building, doing the extra things. I like his progression.”
A high-stakes gamble against the Giants
Milton’s first start comes in a hostile environment: a home game at Lincoln Financial Field against the division-rival New York Giants. The Giants enter the contest with a respectable 4-2-1 record, making this a difficult first test for the new quarterback. The game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff on Sunday, November 8.
Some of Milton’s new teammates are intrigued by what his arm talent can bring. “It’s kind of perfect for a pass catcher,” Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert said of Milton’s high-velocity throws. “The ones that get on you and you just have to catch it, those are the easy ones.
It seems like he’s been putting the ball in a good spot and I’m excited to see what he does Sunday.”
The move is undeniably a gamble. Throwing a quarterback with limited experience and less than a month of practice with the team into a starting role is a sign of desperation. But it’s a calculated one. The Eagles’ season is on the brink, and the coaching staff believes Milton’s high-upside skill set offers a better chance to win now than McKee’s more conservative style.
The outcome of Sunday’s game will be telling. It will not only be the first major test for Milton but also a referendum on the coaching staff’s decision. A win could provide a much-needed morale boost and a glimmer of hope. A loss would deepen the crisis and intensify questions about the team’s direction and leadership, both on and off the field.