Eagles QB Tanner McKee excited to face Commanders in Week 18

The Philadelphia Eagles announced earlier in the week that they'd rest most of their starters in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Washington Commanders. With the NFC East already clinched, Philadelphia is still playing for the No. 2 overall seed in the NFC playoffs.

While some view the Eagles' thinking of this as a bye week, they believe they'll win against the Commanders. One reason why: backup quarterback Tanner McKee.

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The 25-year-old McKee is in his third NFL season. He has appeared in five games, making only one start. McKee started the 2024 regular-season finale against the New York Giants and completed 27 of 41 passes (65.9%) for 269 yards and two touchdowns. The Eagles, in a similar position, rested their starters and defeated New York 20-13.

Philadelphia coaches and players believe in McKee. As for McKee, he prepares every week like he's going to start, but understands it's different.

"Obviously super excited for the opportunity," McKee said Friday, via Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia. "But I feel like each week leading up, I’ve been preparing like I’m going to play in case I do. So I feel like preparation has been pretty similar. It’s nice to get more reps in practice, obviously. But really excited for the opportunity."

It's not like Sunday's game will feature McKee going against Washington's starters. Half of the Commanders' team is injured, with multiple players missing Sunday's game who were on the field two weeks ago when the two teams first met this season. Washington will start 18-year veteran Josh Johnson at quarterback with Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota out due to injury.

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McKee is excited that Sunday's game isn't meaningless and there's something on the line for the Eagles.

"I’m definitely excited for that," McKee said. "It’s obviously fun when something’s on the line. Anytime you get out, it’s an opportunity to go out and perform and play. That’s what we do. If there was nothing on the line or if it was the Super Bowl, you’re going to approach the game the same way. It’s an opportunity to play the game."

With top receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith sitting out, one of McKee's primary receivers will be former Commanders' first-round pick Jahan Dotson.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Eagles QB Tanner McKee excited for Week 18