PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Eagles have decided to rest some key players, including starting quarterback Jalen Hurts, for their regular-season finale against the Washington Commanders on December 31, 2023. This decision comes as the team aims to prioritize player health while still pursuing a victory. Tanner McKee, a sixth-round pick from Stanford in the 2023 draft, is expected to take the helm as the starting quarterback.
The Eagles currently hold the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoff standings. With a win against Washington, they could ascend to the No. 2 seed if the Chicago Bears lose to the Detroit Lions. If the Eagles remain as the No. 3 seed, they will face either the San Francisco 49ers or the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs. However, if they secure the second seed, their opponent will be the Green Bay Packers.
Team head coach Nick Sirianni refrained from disclosing specific plans regarding player rest during a media session. He emphasized the importance of discussing strategies with the players first but acknowledged that a decision was “nearing.” This strategic approach echoes the team’s past experiences, as the Eagles had a week of rest leading into their Super Bowl runs in the 2022 and 2024 seasons.
Sirianni’s decision to rest players also stems from past injuries. In the 2023 regular-season finale against the New York Giants, star receiver A.J. Brown suffered a knee injury, which rendered him unavailable for the subsequent wild-card playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In limited playing time this season, McKee has demonstrated promise, completing 33 of 48 passes for 356 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. Sirianni praised McKee’s football IQ, stating, “When you see Tanner, he’s really good about knowing where to go with the football, seeing the defense and being able to deliver things accurately.” He added that the quarterback room is strong, with players feeding off each other’s strengths.
As the Eagles prepare for their final regular-season game, the focus remains on balancing the need for a win while safeguarding the health of their key players. The team’s approach underscores the importance of rest in a grueling NFL season, especially as they look ahead to the playoffs. The Philadelphia Inquirer was the first to report on the Eagles’ decision to rest starters.
