Eagles to Rest Jalen Hurts and Others?

What They're Saying

Garafolo: "I do believe that the Eagles are going to rest some starters while still thinking that they can come out with a victory."

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

That last part of the Garafolo quote presents an extra wrinkle that's usually missing from these start-or-rest decisions in Week 18.

Philly probably believes that it can rest QB Jalen Hurts, RB Saquon Barkley, and maybe others without conceding this game to Washington. The 4-12 Commanders hit this week 25th in the league in scoring, 21st in total yards, and worse in both categories on defense. And they might again be piloted by third-string QB Josh Johnson.

The Eagles like backup QB Tanner McKee, who's in his third season with the team. That helped their comfort in letting backup QBs Marcus Mariota and Kenny Pickett leave the past two offseasons. (Philly traded Pickett to Cleveland this spring.)

They also sent a pair of draft picks to Jacksonville for RB Tank Bigsby, who's averaging 6.4 yards per rush since joining the Eagles. He and Will Shipley could certainly prop up a backfield whose production has lagged even with Barkley on the field.

Hurts and Barkley have each sustained minor leg injuries over the past couple of weeks. Neither caused the player to miss much game time but could further motivate a Week 18 rest.

Other Winners & Losers

We'll see what HC Nick Sirianni reveals in terms of starter plans ahead of Sunday's game. It's possible, though, that we won't know exactly who's resting until the inactives get announced Sunday afternoon.

On defense: DT Jalen Carter and Edge Jaelan Phillips rank as top candidates for rest. I'm already projecting LB Nakobe Dean to miss the game with a hamstring injury that kept him out of practice (and the game) all last week.

Waiver Wire Targets

Bigsby's worth a look on the waiver wire early in the week. If Barkley goes inactive, Bigsby would be a RB2 contender -- though Shipley would chip away at his workload projection (particularly receiving).

McKee and the second-string WRs don't look particularly attractive for Week 18 usage, unless you find yourself in desperation mode for a second QB.