India, Jan. 5 -- Jalen Hurts is not playing in the Philadelphia Eagles' Week 18 matchup against the Washington Commanders, as the team has opted to rest him and several other key starters ahead of the playoffs.

The Eagles have already secured a postseason berth and currently sit as the No. 3 seed in the NFC. While a path to the No. 2 seed still exists, it would require both a win and help from another game, making the upside limited. With the playoffs looming, Philadelphia chose to prioritize health over seeding.

No. Hurts is healthy and is not dealing with any reported injury. His absence is purely precautionary.

Backup quarterback Tanner McKee is starting in Hurts' place, a common Week 18 strategy for playoff-bound teams, especially ...