PHILADELPHIA — As Yogi Berra said, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”
The Eagles enter today’s regular-season finale against the Washington Commanders with a foot in two worlds: resting most of their starters while still keeping an eye on the NFC standings.
The Birds have already locked up the third playoff seed in the NFC, but a narrow path to the No. 2 seed remains. If the Eagles beat Washington and the Chicago Bears lose to the Detroit Lions — a game kicking off at the same time — Philadelphia would climb to second, securing a pair of potential home games in the postseason instead of one.
It’s a scenario Eagles coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged when explaining his decision to sit quarterback Jalen Hurts and several other regulars.
“At the end of the day, it’s not a guarantee that we can get to the two seed, but I can rest the starters,” Sirianni said Friday. “Just thought that was the best thing for our football team right there.”
The result will be a lineup heavy on reserves and rotational players, many of whom Sirianni said he’s eager to see in meaningful snaps. While the Eagles (11-5) will not “rest everybody,” Sirianni stressed the week was still handled with intent and structure.
“We had a good week of practice,” he said. “We’re going in there to try to win the game with some guys that haven’t played a ton of snaps on offense and defense but obviously have contributed.”
That includes talented backup quarterback Tanner McKee, undrafted rookie wide receiver Darius Cooper, whose role has expanded as the season has progressed, and veteran receiver Jahan Dotson, who has embraced the unglamorous aspects of his role.
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ll put on the tape … and it shows him busting his butt trying to get a block,” Sirianni said of Dotson. “He does the little things for his teammates to help the team.”
Defensively, coordinator Vic Fangio said the emphasis remains on growth and cohesion, even with postseason plans looming. Fangio noted continued progress from a unit that has leaned heavily on youth while carving out its identity.
“We’ve grown from week to week, which is what you want,” Fangio said. “We’ve kind of found our niche the way we like to play.”
Fangio highlighted the trickle-down effect of an improved pass rush and disciplined fronts, noting that defensive success rarely belongs to one position group alone. He also said linebacker Jihaad Campbell’s recent extended action could prove valuable if depth is tested down the line.
The struggling Commanders (4-12), ravaged by injuries, are playing out the string. They weren’t happy in Week 16 when the Eagles went for two while up by 17 points late.
“If that’s how they want to get down, all good. We’ll play them again in two weeks,” Washington coach Dan Quinn said. But Fangio dismissed the significance of seeing the Commanders so recently.
“Every week seems like a new adventure in this league,” he said.
Resting their starters doesn’t mean the Eagles aren’t pursuing No. 2 seed. They can do both at this fork in the road. The Eagles’ backups are capable of beating a depleted Washington team, and they just need to hope Detroit helps out. But whether Eagles’ adventure today ends with a climb up the bracket or simply a healthier roster entering the playoffs, Sirianni believes the approach serves the larger goal.
“We’re trying to set ourselves up for the long run,” he said.
Injury report
Eagles: OUT — DT Jalen Carter (hip), LB Nakobe Dean (hamstring), S Marcus Epps (concussion), TE Dallas Goedert (knee), RT Lane Johnson (foot), EDGE Jaelan Phillips (ankle).
Friday practice report: DNP — DT Carter (hip), LB Dean (hamstring), S Marcus Epps (concussion), TE Dallas Goedert (knee), RT Johnson (foot), OLB Jaelan Phillips (ankle). FULL – LB Jihaad Campbell (back/shoulder).
Commanders: OUT — QB Jayden Daniels (left elbow), QB Marcus Mariota (right hand, quad), LT Laremy Tunsil (oblique). QUESTIONABLE — T/G Brandon Coleman (knee).
Pregame position grades
Here’s how the teams match up heading into Sunday, based on health and how they’ve been playing recently. Performances will be evaluated postgame.
Keep in mind the Eagles are resting several starters.
QB: Eagles A-, Commanders D+
RB: Eagles A-, Commanders C
TE: Eagles A-, Commanders C-
WR: Eagles A, Commanders C
OL: Eagles B+, Commanders B
DL: Eagles A, Commanders C
LB: Eagles A+, Commanders B
CB/S: Eagles A-, Commanders C-
ST: Eagles B+, Commanders B
On the air
Eagles (11-5) vs. Commanders (4-12), Today, 4:25 p.m., Lincoln Financial Field.
TV: CBS: Kevin Harlan, Ross Tucker and Melanie Collins.
Radio/streaming: 94.1-FM WIP: Merrill Reese, Mike Quick and Devan Kaney. Tico: Rickie Ricardo, Oscar Budejen and David Gerhardt. Compass Media: Chris Carrino and Brian Baldinger.
Betting odds
Spread: Eagles by 7.5.
Over/under: 38.5.
Money line: Eagles -225, Commanders +185.
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Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X at @the_defranc for the latest updates.