PHILADELPHIA – The weather may be chilly, with temperatures in the 30s on Sunday, but the atmosphere for the Eagles’ Week 18 game against the Washington Commanders will feel like a summer preseason. This is because the team will be relying heavily on backups, especially rookies, to fill the roster.

The spotlight will fall on quarterback Tanner McKee, who is set to make his second career start in Week 18 when the Eagles host the Commanders at 4:25 p.m. McKee has already shown promise, and this game presents another opportunity for him to prove himself. Alongside him, several other rookie players are expected to see increased playing time.

The Eagles’ rookie class from last spring hasn’t delivered much in terms of impact, aside from linebacker Jihaad Campbell, the first-round pick. Safety Drew Mukuba, a second-round selection, had been having a solid season before suffering an ankle injury in Week 12. Since then, the contributions from the other eight players selected by general manager Howie Roseman have been minimal.

This game offers these players a chance to gain more experience and show what they’re capable of. However, not all the rookies are getting the same opportunities. Defensive end Antwuan Powell-Ryland, the 209th overall pick, is currently on the practice squad of the Cincinnati Bengals and won’t be part of the action this weekend.

Here’s a breakdown of the other rookies:

• Fourth-round pick: Defensive tackle Ty Robinson has seen 53 snaps and recorded two tackles.
• Fifth-round pick: Cornerback Mac McWilliams has only seven snaps and was inactive for 11 games.
• Fifth-round pick: Linebacker Smael Mondon has played 14 defensive snaps and 275 snaps (66 percent) on special teams, with 10 tackles.
• Fifth-round pick: Drew Kendall will play at his natural position of center on Sunday after seeing 20 offensive snaps this season. “It’s a great opportunity for me, a lot of us, to go prove what we have,” he said.
• Sixth-round pick: Quarterback Kyle McCord has spent the season on the practice squad and hasn’t been a factor.
• Sixth-round pick: Myles Hinton was excited when his 21-day practice window opened, giving him a chance to return from a back injury that placed him on injured reserve. Unfortunately, he wasn’t added to the roster after the 21 days expired.
• Sixth-round pick: Offensive lineman Cameron Williams has been on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury but was recently added to the roster and should see some action on Sunday.
• Undrafted: Receivers Darius Cooper and cornerbacks Brandon Johnson. Cooper has had a decent season in a limited role and could get at least five targets on Sunday. Johnson, who will be active for his third game, is someone the Eagles are keeping an eye on for next season.

Other players to watch include second-year linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, Jr., who has primarily contributed on special teams. He has 19 defensive snaps and is tied with Kylen Granson for second on the team in tackles on special teams with 18. “I’m really excited,” said Trotter. “This is a great opportunity. I’m just gonna go out there and try to execute the game plan, do my job, do my part to help the team win. I’ve gotten more used to the defense this year and learned more from watching the veteran guys.”

Prediction:

The Commanders are down to their third-string quarterback, Josh Johnson, and a loss would benefit them in terms of draft positioning. Meanwhile, the Eagles have a stronger roster, so their backups should be able to secure a win.

Eagles 20, Commanders 16

Season record:

10-6

More NFL:

Eagles Rookie Excited To Be In Middle Of Action In Week 18