This won't be like any other NFL regular-season game for the Philadelphia Eagles, as it's going to have the feel of a preseason matchup as they take on the Washington Commanders in Week 18.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni decided to bench the starters to give them rest for the playoffs. That means there are going to be reserves who get their first legitimate action of the season.
While this game is still crucial for the playoffs, it will be big for the individual players and the team if they can play well. Here are five players who will have significant action against the Commanders who could use big games:
Ty Robinson, DT
From the moment Eagles fans saw Robinson in mini camp just destroying tackling dummies, it was clear he was going to be a fan favorite. The team hasn't really given him many snaps, though, as he only has two tackles and one pass deflection on the year. This will be Robinson's first real action, which should hopefully show the Eagles that they should give him more reps in 2026.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. LB
It's been tough to see Trotter get buried on the depth chart with how deep the linebacker position is, but he has one of the best special teams aces in the NFL. He has racked up 20 tackles in 16 games this season. Trotter showed how good a run-stopping linebacker he is in the preseason, so that a good performance might get him back in the rotation at linebacker next year.
Darius Cooper, WR
Every Eagles fan's training camp darling has a chance to really ball out against the Commanders and potentially take over for Jahan Dotson as the number three receiver in 2026. In 12 games, Cooper has caught six passes for 59 yards. Over the weeks, Cooper has gotten more reps on offense and should end up being Tanner McKee's favorite target against the Commanders.
Mac McWilliams, CB
At one point during training camp, McWilliams was in the conversation to be in the CB2 starting job race before it went to Adoree' Jackson. Unfortunately, the Eagles' sixth-round rookie has been mostly inactive, and in the four games he played in, he was on special teams, making one tackle. This would be big, as the Eagles try to decide whether to bring back Jackson in the offseason or give McWilliams another shot at starting at CB2.
Read more: Eagles' final Week 18 injury report shows final verdict of seven players
Tanner McKee, QB
This is the one that matters most to the Eagles, as they need a great performance from Tanner McKee. After his 323-yard and four-touchdown 2024 campaign, it got many NFL teams to start considering him as a potential future starter. Another strong game from McKee could really help the Eagles' future and earn them a high draft pick.