Eagles Locker Room and Press Conferences: Key Insights from December 31, 2025

On New Year’s Eve 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles conducted a light walkthrough practice as they prepared for their Week 18 regular-season finale against the Washington Commanders on January 4, 2026. With an 11-5 record, the NFC East title secured, and a guaranteed home playoff game as at least the No. 3 seed, the focus shifted heavily toward health and rest. The team officially released a video compilation of locker room interviews on philadelphiaeagles.com, featuring open locker room sessions after the walkthrough. Additionally, quarterback Jalen Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni held separate press conferences, addressing the media on topics ranging from resting starters to playoff mindset.

This day marked a pivotal moment: Reports confirmed the Eagles would rest several key starters—including Hurts himself—in the finale, prioritizing a “manufactured bye” to ensure freshness for the postseason. The atmosphere in the NovaCare Complex locker room was relaxed yet focused, with veterans emphasizing legacy, young players expressing excitement for opportunities, and everyone underscoring the defending Super Bowl champions’ hunger for a repeat.

Nick Sirianni’s Press Conference: Prioritizing Health and Confidence in Depth

Head coach Nick Sirianni addressed the media in the morning, confirming the team’s plan to rest multiple starters while expressing unwavering confidence in the backups. He referenced past decisions—in 2022, 2024 (Super Bowl year), and now 2025—where resting players preceded deep playoff runs, contrasting the 2023 season when playing starters led to injuries like A.J. Brown’s knee issue.

Sirianni said: “We’ve earned the right to approach this the smart way. Health is the priority right now—getting guys fresh for January. But I have full confidence in the entire group; our depth is a strength, and we’ll still compete to win the game.” He noted NFL rules require dressing enough players to meet roster minimums, so some starters might suit up but see limited or no snaps.

On the slim chance for the No. 2 seed (requiring an Eagles win and a Bears loss), Sirianni downplayed it: “We’re not chasing seeding at the expense of bodies. We’ve seen what happens when you force it.” He praised defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s unit for peaking late and offensive tweaks despite inconsistencies.

Sirianni also touched on backup QB Tanner McKee: “Tanner’s prepared all year—meeting room time with Jalen has been invaluable. He’s ready if called upon.”

Jalen Hurts’ Press Conference: Leadership, Rest, and Repeat Mindset

Later in the afternoon, Jalen Hurts spoke calmly but intently, acknowledging he’d likely sit out Week 18—the first significant rest of his career in a meaningful spot. The Super Bowl LIX MVP reflected on the season’s grit, including the 13-12 road win over Buffalo in Week 17.

Hurts stated: “Whatever the plan is, I’m locked in on being the best leader I can be. If that means supporting from the sideline this week, that’s what it’ll be. We’ve built this thing on trust and next-man-up—guys are excited for their shots.” He emphasized preparing as if playing: “You never know with this game.”

On repeating as champions: “It’s rare air, but that’s why we’re here. Back-to-back East titles is cool, but rings are what matter. We’re not satisfied.” Hurts praised young defenders stepping up amid injuries and Saquon Barkley’s leadership.

He smiled when asked about rest: “Body feels good—could play 20 games if needed—but smart is smart. Trust the coaches.”

Locker Room Interviews: Voices from the Depth Chart

The official Eagles video, titled “Eagles Locker Room Interviews: December 31, 2025,” ran about 18 minutes and featured eight players speaking candidly at their lockers. Themes included excitement for playoff football, gratitude for health, and enthusiasm from backups.

• Jalen Carter (DT): The disruptive force, fresh off a dominant Bills game, hyped the defense: “We’re hitting our stride—turnovers, stops, physicality. Rest or play, we’re built for this postseason run.”
• Brandon Graham (DE): The veteran leader, in what could be his final season, reflected emotionally: “Been through it all—rest weeks, injury weeks. This group’s special. Fly together, win together.”
• Jihaad Campbell (LB): The rookie who filled in admirably for Nakobe Dean: “Opportunity knocks—I’ve learned from the vets. Ready to ball if my number’s called.”
• Fred Johnson (OT): Stepping in for Lane Johnson: “Proud of holding the line. O-line brotherhood is real—protect whoever’s back there.”
• Saquon Barkley (RB): The star rusher, load-managed lately: “Body’s thanking me already. But mentality’s attack mode. Playoffs? That’s when legends are made.”
• Jordan Davis (DT): On Pro Bowl snub motivation: “Fuel. But bigger goals ahead—disrupt, dominate, repeat.”
• Jaelan Phillips (EDGE): Nursing a minor ankle but optimistic: “Trade here changed everything—pass rush family’s elite. Healing up for the real games.”
• Jordan Mailata (LT): The charismatic lineman: “Rest is earned. Offense finding rhythm again—playoffs, we unleash.”

Other snippets included backups like Grant Calcaterra (TE) and Britain Covey (WR) expressing eagerness, and rookies like Cooper DeJean discussing growth.

Injury Report Context and Rest Implications

The day’s estimated injury report (from walkthrough) listed non-participants: Nakobe Dean (hamstring), Dallas Goedert (knee), Lane Johnson (foot), Jaelan Phillips (ankle). Limited: Jihaad Campbell (back/shoulder). Full: Cameron Williams (shoulder, potential activation).

These, combined with rest plans, mean a backup-heavy lineup vs. a depleted Commanders team (likely starting third-string QB Josh Johnson). Analysts noted this setup favors Philadelphia’s depth for a potential win, preserving the No. 2 seed shot without risk.

Broader Team Sentiment: Hungry Defending Champs

Across interviews, a unified message emerged: Gratitude for the 11-5 record and three-game win streak, caution from past lessons (2023 injuries), and quiet confidence. Veterans like Graham and Barkley spoke of legacy; younger players like Carter and Campbell of opportunity. Hurts and Sirianni embodied calm leadership.

Media reactions praised the maturity—Bleeding Green Nation called it “championship poise”; The Athletic noted it mirrors successful rest years. Fans on social media buzzed with “Trust the process” and excitement for Wild Card hosting.

As 2025 closes, the Eagles locker room radiates focus: Rest now, dominate in January. Fly Eagles Fly into the playoffs fully charged.