The Philadelphia Eagles have decided to rest their starters in the regular-season finale against the Washington Commanders, prioritizing player health over the pursuit of a higher playoff seed. This approach stems from their previous season-ending loss to the New York Giants, which resulted in significant injuries to key players. The Eagles are confident in their capacity to secure a win against the Commanders even with backups playing, emphasizing the importance of taking time to recover and mentally reset before entering the playoffs.
Notably, left tackle Jordan Mailata underscored the need for his teammates to have a mental and physical break at this point in the season. He highlighted that many players are not at 100% health and that additional rest could provide a significant advantage moving forward, similar to an extra bye week.
While resting their starters could lead to potential challenges, such as a road matchup against the Chicago Bears—who previously defeated the Eagles earlier this season—Mailata is focused on the task at hand. The Eagles’ defense has shown consistency in recent games, ranking first in the NFL in points allowed and demonstrating their capability to perform under pressure. Additionally, their playoff experience, with multiple appearances and a recent Super Bowl victory, adds confidence to their path ahead.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts, who has faced injuries in previous playoff runs, will also benefit from this rest period as he prepares for his first playoff appearance without lingering health issues. Hurts acknowledged that, despite the ups and downs throughout the season, the team is poised for success with a clean slate as they enter the postseason.
As the Eagles gear up for a potential playoff run, their focus remains on recovery and readiness, maintaining a positive outlook as they embrace the challenges that lie ahead.