With Donovan McNabb out in 2005 after season-ending hernia surgery, McMahon took over the reins of the Eagles for the remainder of the season. On December 24, 2005 he became the first Eagles quarterback to rush for two touchdowns in a single game since Randall Cunningham in 1992. After taking over for McNabb, McMahon compiled a record of two wins and five losses in the games he started. His quarterback rating was a sub-par 55.2 for the season. In his defense, however, the team he was leading was missing many first-string players, including center Hank Fraley, leading receivers Terrell Owens and Todd Pinkston, and starting running back Brian Westbrook. By the end of the season, the only first-string receiver still playing was tight end L.J. Smith, which severely limited McMahon's options.