The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to rest several key starters, including starting quarterback Jalen Hurts, for their final regular-season game against the Washington Commanders, according to a source familiar with the team’s plans. Rookie quarterback Tanner McKee is expected to start in place of Hurts.
Philadelphia has secured its place in the postseason, reducing the stakes for the upcoming matchup and allowing the coaching staff to prioritize player health ahead of the playoffs. Although the team has not officially announced its inactive list, multiple starters on both offense and defense are likely to sit out the Week 18 game.
Tanner McKee, a sixth-round draft pick out of Stanford, has seen limited action during the regular season but was active and showed promise in preseason appearances. The game against Washington will mark his first career NFL start, offering the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate his development in a regular-season setting.
The Eagles have emphasized player safety and managing workloads throughout the season, particularly as they prepare for what they hope will be a deep postseason run. Resting key contributors in a game with limited bearing on playoff seeding aligns with that strategy.
This approach could also extend to other prominent players, although the team has yet to confirm who else may be inactive. The decision would follow a common practice across the league, especially among playoff-bound teams looking to minimize injury risk to starters before the postseason begins.
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders are expected to play their usual starting lineup as they close the season. The game will provide an opportunity for both teams to assess less-experienced players in live-game environments.
Philadelphia enters the final week with a focus on long-term goals and readiness for the postseason. McKee’s performance, along with those of other reserves, may also inform offseason decisions and player evaluations beyond the current campaign.
