The Philadelphia Eagles are grappling with a quarterback conundrum that could spell trouble for the 2025 season. In their latest preseason clash, a 22-13 loss to the Cleveland Browns on August 16, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field, the battle for the third-string quarterback spot exposed glaring weaknesses. The performances of Dorian Thompson-Robinson (DTR) and rookie Kyle McCord left fans and coaches questioning whether either is ready to step up in a pinch, prompting speculation about a bold move to bring back last year’s backup, Kenny Pickett.
With starter Jalen Hurts and backup Tanner McKee sidelined for the game, the Eagles’ coaching staff, led by Nick Sirianni, opted to give both Thompson-Robinson and McCord significant reps, alternating them every two series. The goal was to evaluate their ability to perform with both the second- and third-string units. However, the experiment backfired, revealing more confusion than clarity.
The third quarter epitomized the chaos. During a timeout, Thompson-Robinson stood frozen between the huddle and the sidelines, unsure if it was his turn to play. Meanwhile, McCord was already on the field, exacerbating the mix-up. “You try to count off when it’s your turn, but I think he and I just got a little mix-up there,” McCord admitted post-game. The lack of rhythm disrupted their flow, and neither quarterback seized the moment to stake a claim for the roster.
Kyle McCord, the sixth-round draft pick, showed flashes of potential despite the challenging circumstances. His highlight came in the form of a 9-yard touchdown pass to Ainias Smith on third-and-goal, a play that sparked the crowd despite McCord missing the moment due to a roughing-the-passer hit. “It was sweet,” McCord said, reflecting on his first NFL touchdown. “Growing up, you dream of it, but it’s a far-fetched reality. You kind of see that come to life. It was awesome.”
McCord finished the game 8-for-16 for 47 yards, earning a passer rating of 77.1—a marked improvement from his 1-for-5 performance with an interception against the Bengals the previous week. “Whenever that opportunity comes, whether it’s every two drives or one drive the entire game, it’s just making the plays when they present themselves,” he said, emphasizing his focus on capitalizing on limited reps.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson, on the other hand, struggled mightily. His 5-for-8 performance yielded just 17 yards, marred by a devastating pick-six that handed the Browns the lead for good in the second half. His passer rating plummeted to a dismal 27.1, a stark contrast to his stronger showing the prior week. The weight of the moment seemed to overwhelm him, and his early exit from the locker room through a side door spoke volumes about his frustration.
“I have to watch the tape,” Sirianni said when asked about the quarterbacks’ performances. “They had some good moments and made some plays, but we missed some plays. It wasn’t good enough out there on the field today.”
The lackluster showings from McCord and Thompson-Robinson have reignited discussions about Kenny Pickett, last year’s backup who proved he could win games for the Eagles. With a 1-4 record in five career starts, Thompson-Robinson hasn’t inspired confidence, and McCord, while promising, remains raw. The idea of trading for Pickett—or waiting to see if the Browns cut him—has gained traction. Given his familiarity with the Eagles’ system and his proven ability to step in, Pickett could be a low-risk, high-reward addition to stabilize the third-string role.
Yet, the reality is sobering. The third-string quarterback is the emergency option, only called upon in dire circumstances. If both Hurts and McKee go down early in the season, the Eagles would face long odds regardless of who’s under center. Is it worth overreacting to a preseason stumble, or should the team stick with developing McCord, who could blossom with time, or Thompson-Robinson, who’s shown occasional flashes of competence?
The Eagles face a pivotal decision as the regular season looms. McCord’s youth and potential make him a candidate for the practice squad, where he could develop without the immediate pressure of game action. Thompson-Robinson, however, may have reached a crossroads, with his inconsistent play raising doubts about his long-term fit. Sirianni’s staff must weigh whether to trust their current options, pursue a veteran like Pickett, or scour the waiver wire for alternatives.