Panthers react to Eagles’ mid-week quarterback change

And with their time post-practice, as Brown said, they’re learning what they can about McKee in a hurry. Linebacker Devin Lloyd said they’d all be talking to backup quarterback Kenny Pickett this week, since Pickett played there in 2024. In fact, McKee’s first appearance in a game was in relief of Pickett against the Cowboys in Week 17 (throwing two touchdowns), and he started the following week.

And because Pickett also knows Hurts well from his time there, his first concern was about his former teammates’ health. But he was impressed with McKee during his time there as well.

“Yeah, he just prepares,” Pickett said of McKee. “Preparation is so key, and you know you don’t get the reps, but you have to be so mentally locked in, and he does a great job of that. He’s an awesome guy, you know, always rooting for him except, you know, this Sunday.

When asked about the difference it would make in the Eagles’ offense, Pickett immediately pointed to the difference in running ability.

“I mean, everyone’s going to point out mobility,” Pickett said. “But he’s a smart guy who’s in the room, and it’s a different offensive staff from when I was there, but I’m sure they’re going to tailor the game plan to do what he does really well, and he’ll get the ball out.”