Eagles coach Sirianni satisfied with decision to rest starters, even though it now means playoff clash with dangerous 49ers

The Philadelphia Eagles have no regrets over resting several key players in yesterday’s defeat to the Washington Commanders even though it means they now have the tricky task of facing the San Francisco 49ers in the wild card round of the playoffs.

The defending champions needed to beat the Commanders and hope the Detroit Lions could see off the Chicago Bears to secure the number two seed.

The Lions did their bit but the Eagles, who left out the bulk their starters including quarterback Jalen Hurts, went down 24-17.

Coach Nick Sirianni insisted it was the correct decision to rotate his roster. He said: “You go through your process, you make what you think is the best decision for the football team and that’s what we did. I knew that this was [a possible] outcome, that these things can happen.

“One thing I could guarantee was giving them rest. I couldn’t guarantee anything else. And us being healthy and going into the playoffs healthy is a big deal for us.”

Eagles locker room backs call

Safety Reed Blankenship was one of the players to get the afternoon off but he said it made sense to keep everyone fresh for the post-season.

“We can play the what-if game,” he told ESPN. “When the Lions win, when you’re on the sideline, you’re like, ‘Man, I wish I would have played,’ but you’re not going to know that. I’d rather have a week of rest and let my body recover than go out there and be in a dogfight and then feel bad going into a playoff game.”

Now they have to take on the 49ers, who had blitzed through a six-game winning streak before coming unstuck against the top-seeded Seattle Seahawks.

San Francisco’s potent offense will hope to get back on track against the Eagles.

“We’ve got to stop their run, [and in particular] Christian McCaffrey,” defensive end Brandon Graham. “Then on top of that, [QB Brock] Purdy has been doing a great job since he’s been back.

“We’ve just got to be us and bring the energy and play fast on defense and put the offense in a great position.”

49ers coach Shanahan ready for Eagles clash

It’s a difficult match-up for the Niners as well but coach Kyle Shanahan was in bullish mood despite the defeat to the Seahawks.

“We’re ready for it,” he said. “It would have been nice to have a home game here – or both home games – and get a bye. But it is what it is. This team’s been through a lot this year. Now we got to do it the hard way.”