In 2011, he suffered a herniated disk problem in training camp that limited him to only 3 games. In his last action, he took the last snap on a 44-7 victory over the Buffalo Bills on November 13. He couldn't play the rest of the season because his back condition never improved. He was placed on the injured reserve list on December 14. McGee was promoted to backup quarterback in his place. The injury forced him to announce his retirement from the NFL on January 12, 2012.