Jordan Mailata Supports Eagles’ Bold Decision to Rest Starters Against Commanders
Jordan Mailata, the Eagles’ left tackle, expressed his approval of the team’s recent decision to rest many of its starters for the upcoming Week 18 matchup against the Washington Commanders. Just two weeks prior, Mailata had hinted at the benefits of some downtime for the players, and now that time has come. Coach Nick Sirianni confirmed on Wednesday that several key players would sit out, a choice Mailata described as “100 percent the smart move.”
A Shift in Significance
This game was initially marked on the calendar as a potential playoff decider, especially after the Eagles faced the Commanders in the NFC championship last January. However, Washington’s performance this season has drastically diminished its importance. With a record of 4-12, the Commanders are long eliminated from playoff contention. “This game doesn’t have the magnitude that we hoped it would have when the schedule came out,” acknowledged Commanders’ coach Dan Quinn. Nevertheless, he noted that it presents a valuable opportunity for many players on their roster.
The Eagles, sitting at 11-5 and crowned champions of the NFC East, still have a chance to secure the second seed in the playoffs. To do so, they need to win against Washington while hoping for a Bears loss to the Lions, with both games slated to kick off at 4:25 PM. Mailata emphasized the team’s focus on their performance rather than external factors. “That’s out of our control because we need the Bears to lose,” he stated. “All I care about is getting the win for us. We just gotta get that win. And however the cards fall, that’s what it is.”
Quarterback Quandary for Washington
As the Eagles prepare to face the Commanders, they may find themselves up against a third-string quarterback. Washington is likely to start Josh Johnson, as backup Marcus Mariota is still sidelined with a quad injury sustained during their previous encounter with the Eagles. Additionally, left tackle Laremy Tunsil is expected to miss the game due to an oblique injury, further complicating matters for Washington.
Mailata and right guard Tyler Steen are the only two Eagles linemen who have played every game this season, a testament to the challenges the offensive line has faced following a short offseason and various surgeries. Reflecting on the decision to rest starters, Mailata emphasized the importance of player longevity. “This is just one of those things where I think it’s the smartest move to do, longevity-wise. But it’s not like we’re not going out there to win. I 100 percent have faith in the guys that are playing this week, and we’ll do everything to support them and make them feel confident heading into the game.”
A Change in Roster Dynamics
While Mailata and other starters will be dressed for the game, they are unlikely to see the field unless an emergency arises. “I tried to get in there, but they were pretty adamant about resting me this week,” he shared. “When they told me I’d be dressing, I told them, ‘I’ll take that.’”
The Eagles may also look to adjust their roster ahead of the game. With the release of long snapper Charley Hughlett earlier in the week, there is a potential opening for rookie Cam Williams to be added to the 53-man roster. Hughlett has since joined the practice squad and could be elevated for the game, raising questions about the initial decision to release him.
Williams, a sixth-round draft pick, could see action as a backup in Mailata’s position or even at guard. The Eagles might want to give him valuable regular-season game reps, especially if they view him as a long-term solution for right tackle Lane Johnson, who is expected to miss his seventh consecutive game due to an ankle injury but is hopeful for a return in time for the playoffs.
As the Eagles prepare for this pivotal game, the focus remains not just on the outcome but on ensuring the health and readiness of their roster for the challenges that lie ahead in the postseason.
