Eagles star defensive tackle Jalen Carter is facing a week-to-week recovery period after undergoing a procedure on both shoulders, according to a source confirmed by NBC Sports Philadelphia. The 24-year-old player will miss the upcoming game against the Chargers on Monday night in Los Angeles as he focuses on rehabilitation. Fortunately, the injury is not expected to be season-ending, and there is optimism that Carter could make a return within the next few weeks.
With five regular season games remaining, the Eagles will need to adjust their defensive lineup while Carter continues to recover. His struggles with shoulder issues were evident during the Eagles’ recent 24-15 loss to the Bears, where he played only 70% of the defensive snaps and did not meet his usual performance standards.
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio acknowledged Carter’s situation on Wednesday, noting, “He does have a shoulder issue. He has been playing with it. Late in the game, he had a great play with it, but it’s definitely something there.”
This season, Carter has been a significant player for the Eagles, contributing 581 defensive snaps after missing the season opener against the Cowboys due to ejection before his first defensive play. He also sat out a game against the Giants earlier in the season due to a heel injury. In 10 games, he has recorded 2 sacks, 11 quarterback hits, 6 pass breakups, and 4 tackles for loss.
In Carter’s absence, the Eagles will look to players such as Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, and Byron Young to step up in the defensive tackle rotation. They may also give rookie fourth-round pick Ty Robinson more playing time, as he has only logged 35 snaps this season. Additionally, Gabe Hall, currently on the practice squad and with 13 snaps in two games this season, could be brought into the mix.
Carter, who was drafted in the first round out of Georgia in 2023, quickly made his mark by being named to his first Pro Bowl in just his second NFL season. He is also eligible for a contract extension after the conclusion of this regular season, adding further significance to his recovery process as the Eagles push toward a playoff run.