The decision to make the switch at starting quarterback for the Eagles on Sunday against the New York Giants, sudden to those on the outside, is part of what the NFL is all about, says Joe Milton. He is, he says, excited of course and relishing the opportunity without question, but this is how the league works.

You'd better be prepared when your number is called.

"That's the thing," Milton said on Thursday following his press conference at the Jefferson Health Training Complex. "We all know that you have to be ready to be on the field at all times. So, I'm going to be ready on Sunday. We still have work to do and time to get everything we need to do in order, so we're going to keep chipping away and then on Sunday go out there and play our game against the New York Giants."

Milton, a sixth-round draft pick of the New England Patriots in 2024 after a collegiate career at Michigan and Tennessee, has completed 37 of 53 passes for 424 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in the NFL. The Eagles plucked him off of the Dallas practice squad three weeks ago and since then he has been hard at work learning the verbiage and the expectations of playing quarterback in this system.

It's almost "go" time for Milton, who replaces Tanner McKee, who replaced Jalen Hurts. The third starting quarterback in this 2026 season says he has to stay within himself and accomplish the task.

"I'm going to do what the coaches ask me to do and move forward," he said. "I've adjusted well. I'm the oldest of seven kids in my family so that is something I had to do early in my life. I'm good at adapting. The coaches have done a great job of helping me, explaining things to me, and taking time to get me ready."

Milton knows what the Giants' defense brings to the table. He prepared for them in Week 1 when he was with Dallas and he sees a "great team, a physical defense and one that communicates well, executes, and makes plays."

Milton joined the Eagles on October 16 and in a very short period of time, he's now the starter after spending the last two games as the No. 2 signal-caller behind McKee. That is a rapid rise. There is a lot to learn, chemistry to build, and trust to develop for Milton and the Eagles, and the coaching staff clearly has liked enough of what it has seen to promote Milton quickly.

"They've been great and I feel comfortable with the offense and knowing what I need to know," he said. "I know that in the NFL you have to prepare for any moment that presents itself. I've studied hard and I've worked hard. I like everything about the offense. The coaches do a great job of presenting the plays and explaining it and calling what needs to be called.

"We're all working together for Sunday and it's been great so far."

McKee, for his part, is supporting Milton and understanding of the ups and downs this season has had.

"I'm here to help us win, no matter what that means," McKee said. "I am going to stay ready and learn from the experience and be at my best when my number is called again. Joe is doing a great job and I think he's going to go out there and play a good game on Sunday."

It is Milton's opportunity on Sunday, his first NFL start. He's excited, but keeping his emotions level. Staying "where my feet are," he said. That's the right approach. Sunday is a couple of days away and then it's showtime.

"I'm going to play my game and stay within the offense and that's the job," said Milton, who completed 7 of 13 passes in the Week 18 game for Dallas against the Giants in January. "It's football and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to lead this team and play the game I love. This is a great opportunity."