Reports: Eagles backup QB Josh McCown played playoff game vs. Seahawks with torn hamstring
Toughness must be a prerequisite to joining the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback room.
Last Sunday, backup quarterback Josh McCown entered in the first half of the Eagles' eventual 17-9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Wild Card round to replace injured starter Carson Wentz. Wentz exited with a concussion after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit from behind.
It was the postseason debut for McCown, a 40-year-old journeyman, and he performed admirably, giving the Eagles red zone chances late in a one-possession game. More impressive: he played most of the game with a significant injury.
According to multiple reports, McCown is scheduled to undergo surgery Tuesday to repair a torn hamstring he suffered in the second quarter of the game.
As the NFL Network report noted, the Eagles would have been forced to use an emergency quarterback in a playoff game if McCown hadn't toughed it out.
"To go out there and get to play in a playoff game was special," McCown said after the game. "I can't thank them enough for their support. It was a heck of a ride. I left it all out there, I know that much. It is different playing at 40. Your body talks to you a lot. I'll reflect on that later, but it was fun to be out there for sure."
McCown was retired when training camp began and had roles at ESPN and as the quarterbacks coach at his sons' Charlotte-area high school when the Eagles came calling in August.
He flew back and forth during the season to keep coaching and fulfill his duties as a backup.