The declaration keeps McKee atop the depth chart entering Philadelphia’s Week 9 matchup against the New York Giants. Joe Milton II, who has overtaken Cole Payton for the backup job, remains the next option behind McKee.

McKee completed 23 of 34 passes for 212 yards against Washington, but his two turnovers helped keep the second half scoreless. He lost a fumble in Philadelphia territory during the third quarter and threw an interception on fourth down late in the fourth. McKee was also sacked five times as Washington generated pressure on 46.5% of his dropbacks.

McKee remains the choice despite offensive decline

McKee has started three consecutive games since Jalen Hurts was lost for the season because of blood clots, but the Eagles have not won with him directing the offense. Philadelphia scored 14 points against Carolina, 21 against Dallas and 10 against Washington.

Not all of that decline belongs to McKee. The offense has played without several key contributors, while Saquon Barkley has attempted to work through hamstring and back injuries. Protection has also become a persistent problem behind an offensive line dealing with injuries, retirement, and a midseason trade.

McKee nevertheless has contributed to the mistakes preventing Philadelphia from sustaining drives. His fumble against Washington came with the Eagles trailing 13-10 and gave the Commanders a short field. Philadelphia later reached the Washington 18-yard line, but an illegal-formation penalty and Jake Elliott’s missed 41-yard field goal ended another scoring opportunity.

The Eagles controlled possession for more than 33 minutes but finished with 268 total yards and averaged 3.9 yards per play. They did not score after Barkley’s 3-yard touchdown run gave them a 10-0 first-quarter lead.

Eagles won’t turn to Joe Milton yet

Sirianni’s commitment removes any immediate possibility of Milton receiving his first start with Philadelphia. Milton’s arm strength and athletic ability make him an intriguing alternative, but the Eagles apparently believe continuity gives the offense its best chance to stabilize.

McKee will now receive another opportunity against the Giants before Philadelphia’s bye week. The question is no longer whether Sirianni trusts him. It is whether McKee and an injury-depleted offense can reward that confidence before the Eagles’ season slips further away.