Eagles’ First Injury Report Foreshadows Extensive Rest for Starters in Week 18 Showdown Against Commanders

On December 31, 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles released their initial injury report ahead of the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Washington Commanders on January 4, 2026, at Lincoln Financial Field. As defending Super Bowl champions with an 11-5 record and the NFC East already clinched, the Eagles are prioritizing health for the playoffs, where they are locked into at least the No. 3 seed. Reports from Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer and confirmed team statements indicate that head coach Nick Sirianni plans to rest quarterback Jalen Hurts and most key starters, providing a manufactured bye week before the Wild Card round.

The first estimated injury report—based on a Wednesday walkthrough rather than full practice—highlighted several prominent players as non-participants, effectively signaling who will likely sit out. New additions to the report include edge defender Jaelan Phillips (ankle) and tight end Dallas Goedert (knee), joining holdovers like right tackle Lane Johnson (foot) and linebacker Nakobe Dean (hamstring). This concise list of six players underscores a relatively healthy roster overall but foreshadows a conservative approach, with injured starters almost certainly held out to avoid risk in a game that offers limited seeding upside.

Breakdown of the Week 18 Injury Report

The Eagles’ Wednesday estimated report was notably short, a positive sign heading into 2026:

• Did Not Participate:
  • LB Nakobe Dean (hamstring)
  • TE Dallas Goedert (knee) – New
  • OT Lane Johnson (foot)
  • EDGE Jaelan Phillips (ankle) – New
• Limited Participation:
  • LB Jihaad Campbell (back/shoulder)
• Full Participation:
  • OT Cameron Williams (shoulder) – Returning from IR window

Analysts across NBC Sports Philadelphia, Bleeding Green Nation, and SI.com agree: Players listed as DNPs, especially those with lingering or new ailments, will not suit up against the Commanders. The Eagles won’t risk aggravating issues when playoff positioning is mostly secured. A win combined with a Chicago Bears loss could bump them to the No. 2 seed (and a Divisional Round home game), but Sirianni’s history—resting starters in 2022 and 2024 en route to Super Bowls—suggests health trumps the slim chance.

Spotlight on New Additions: Jaelan Phillips and Dallas Goedert

Jaelan Phillips, acquired mid-season in a trade from the Miami Dolphins, emerged as a pass-rush force for Philadelphia, ranking among the NFL’s top edge defenders in pressures since Week 10. In the gritty Week 17 road win over the Buffalo Bills (13-12), Phillips played through an ankle tweak sustained mid-game, even contributing a key pressure on the final defensive stand. However, having already logged 17 games (due to mismatched bye weeks), the 26-year-old is a prime candidate for rest. Reports note the injury isn’t severe, but sitting him prevents unnecessary wear ahead of January football. Depth options like Nolan Smith, Josh Sweat, and Jalyx Hunt will step up if needed.

Dallas Goedert, the reliable veteran tight end, represents a bigger concern. The knee issue appeared during or after the Bills game, marking his first listing since a mid-October calf problem. Goedert has been a red-zone weapon this season, hauling in multiple touchdowns in recent weeks and providing crucial blocking in the run-heavy offense alongside Saquon Barkley. Sources indicate the knee ailment is minor and not long-term, but with backups Grant Calcaterra and Kylen Granson capable, the Eagles will err on caution. Goedert’s absence would be felt in play-action and third-down situations, but preserving him for the postseason—where his veteran presence shone in last year’s Super Bowl run—is paramount.

Continuing DNPs Lane Johnson and Nakobe Dean follow similar logic. Johnson has missed six straight games with a Lisfranc foot sprain; rushing the future Hall of Fame tackle back for a meaningless contest makes no sense, especially with Fred Johnson performing admirably in relief. Dean’s hamstring pull sidelined him in Week 17, and soft-tissue injuries are notoriously tricky—rookie Jihaad Campbell ably filled in, earning more reps.

Broader Rest Strategy: Learning from Past Seasons

Nick Sirianni’s decision draws from experience. In 2022 and 2024, resting starters in Week 18 preceded deep playoff runs and a championship. Conversely, playing starters in 2023 (with seeding on the line) led to injuries—like A.J. Brown’s knee—that hampered the postseason. This year, with a loaded roster featuring stars like Hurts, Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and a stout defense under Vic Fangio, the Eagles can afford conservatism.

Expected inactives or limited roles include:

• QB Jalen Hurts (rest/health management)
• RB Saquon Barkley (load management)
• WRs A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith (rest)
• Multiple offensive linemen and defensive fronts

Backup QB Tanner McKee is poised for his first significant action, potentially starting in place of Hurts. The Eagles still intend to compete—internal confidence in depth pieces suggests they believe a win is possible even without stars, mirroring last year’s backup victory over a depleted opponent.

Implications for the Commanders Game and Playoffs

Washington (likely 4-12 or similar, struggling post-injuries) fields a depleted lineup, possibly starting third-string QB Josh Johnson. This mismatch favors Philadelphia’s reserves, but betting lines and power rankings reflect caution.

For the playoffs:

• As No. 3 seed (barring upset results), the Eagles host a Wild Card game (Jan. 10-12).
• Full health could make them the NFC’s most dangerous team—elite trenches, dual-threat Hurts, and playmakers galore.
• Rest mitigates fatigue; the 2025 squad peaked late despite mid-season slumps.

Experts like those at The Athletic and Bleeding Green Nation praise the move: “Rest is important,” echoing Sirianni. Fans may grumble over forfeited seeding chances, but history validates prioritizing January freshness.

Depth Chart Spotlight: Who Steps Up?

With starters sidelined:

• Offense: Tanner McKee/Kenny Pickett at QB; Kenny Gainwell handling carries; Calcaterra at TE; Britain Covey/Parris Campbell in slot.
• Defense: Increased snaps for rookies like Campbell and veterans like Brandon Graham.
• Special Teams: Core units remain intact for field position battles.

Rookie OT Cameron Williams’ full participation teases a potential activation from IR, bolstering depth.

Historical Context: Week 18 Rest in the Sirianni Era

• 2022: Rested starters → No. 1 seed → NFC Championship loss (but fresh).
• 2023: Played starters → Injuries → Early playoff exit.
• 2024: Rested despite Barkley record chase → Super Bowl win.
• 2025: Mirrors successful years.

Data shows rested teams perform better in Wild Card rounds (higher win rates, fewer turnovers).

Fan and Media Reaction

Philadelphia media hails the “short and concise” report as a “tease for a better 2026″—healthy stars signal contention. Social media buzz focuses on McKee’s opportunity and playoff matchups (potential rematches with Rams, Bears, or Vikings).

Critics argue for chasing No. 2, but consensus: Health > seeding in a loaded NFC.

Looking Ahead: Playoff Health the Ultimate Goal

This injury report isn’t alarming—it’s strategic. Phillips and Goedert’s additions are precautionary, allowing healing time. By Sunday, expect a vanilla, backup-heavy Eagles squad grinding for a win while stars recharge.

Fly Eagles Fly into the postseason fully loaded. A repeat is realistic if bodies hold up—and this Week 18 plan maximizes that chance.