Story perspectives

Eagles Rest Starters for Playoff Readiness Against Commanders

1/1/2026

Summary

Eagles Rest Starters

The Philadelphia Eagles will rest key starters, including Jalen Hurts, in Week 18 against the Commanders.
Nick Sirianni, the Eagles head coach, informed players of the plan to rest starters for playoff readiness.
Tanner McKee is expected to start in Hurts' place.
The Eagles are 11-5 and can secure the No. 2 seed with a win and a Bears loss.
The Commanders, 4-12, will start third-string quarterback Josh Johnson.

Summary

Eagles Prioritize Playoffs

The Philadelphia Eagles will rest quarterback Jalen Hurts and other starters in Week 18 against the Washington Commanders to prioritize playoff readiness.
The injury report lists Jalen Carter (hip), Nakobe Dean (hamstring), Dallas Goedert (knee), Lane Johnson (foot), and Jaelan Phillips (ankle) as non-participants in practice.
Rookie Tanner McKee will start in Hurts's absence.
The Eagles aim to secure a higher playoff seed despite the Commanders' struggling season.

History

Historical Context

In 1978, the NFL expanded its playoff format to ten teams, introducing seeding that influenced team strategies. The Pittsburgh Steelers capitalized on this change, winning Super Bowl XIII on January 21, 1979, after securing a favorable playoff position. Today, the Philadelphia Eagles, with an 11-5 record, rest key players like Jalen Hurts, reflecting ongoing strategies to optimize postseason performance.

1 of 3

Eagles Rest Starters

The Philadelphia Eagles will rest key starters, including Jalen Hurts, in Week 18 against the Commanders.
Nick Sirianni, the Eagles head coach, informed players of the plan to rest starters for playoff readiness.
Tanner McKee is expected to start in Hurts' place.
The Eagles are 11-5 and can secure the No. 2 seed with a win and a Bears loss.
The Commanders, 4-12, will start third-string quarterback Josh Johnson.

1 / 3