Eagles to Start Tanner McKee as Jalen Hurts Rests in Season Finale

The Philadelphia Eagles plan to rest several starters, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, for their regular-season finale against the Washington Commanders on December 31, 2023. According to a source confirmed to ESPN, Tanner McKee, a sixth-round draft pick from Stanford in 2023, is set to start in place of Hurts. This decision reflects the team’s strategy to prioritize player health while still aiming for a victory.

The Eagles currently occupy the No. 3 seed in the National Football Conference (NFC) and can potentially ascend to the No. 2 seed with a win over Washington, combined with a loss from the Chicago Bears against the Detroit Lions. Should the Eagles maintain their current seed, they would face either the San Francisco 49ers or the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs. Conversely, a jump to the second seed would lead them to play against the Green Bay Packers.

Coach Nick Sirianni has not publicly confirmed his plans, stating he would discuss the matter in a team meeting first. He mentioned that the decision is “nearing,” indicating that the coaching staff is carefully considering their approach. The Eagles have previously opted for rest in late-season games, successfully managing player health during their Super Bowl runs in the 2022 and 2024 seasons.

This decision echoes memories of the 2023 regular-season finale, when star receiver A.J. Brown suffered a knee injury against the New York Giants, which sidelined him for the subsequent wild-card playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Eagles are determined to avoid a similar situation this year, focusing on a balance between competitiveness and player wellness.

McKee has shown promise in limited appearances, completing 33 of 48 passes for 356 yards, with four touchdowns and no interceptions. Coach Sirianni praised McKee’s ability to read defenses and deliver accurate throws, highlighting the positive dynamic within the team’s quarterback room. “It’s a great room where those guys feed off each other and learn from each other,” he said.

As the Eagles prepare for their final game of the regular season, the focus remains on both securing a victory and ensuring players are fit for the playoff challenges ahead. The Philadelphia Inquirer first reported the Eagles’ plan to rest starters, setting the stage for an intriguing close to the regular season.