Jalen Carter Out After Shoulder Procedure
The Philadelphia Eagles have announced that defensive tackle Jalen Carter will not participate in Monday night’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers. This follows a procedure on both of his shoulders aimed at addressing lingering issues that have persisted since the offseason.
Ongoing Shoulder Issues
Carter has been dealing with shoulder problems for several months, notably missing the first three practices of training camp due to discomfort. Last season, he was a powerhouse on the field, logging an NFL-high 1,068 snaps for interior defenders. However, this year, he has played 582 snaps, ranking sixth among defensive tackles.
Despite his efforts to push through the pain, Carter’s performance has been affected. His struggles were evident in a disappointing outing against the Chicago Bears on Black Friday, where the Eagles’ defense surrendered 281 rushing yards. In that game, Carter faced one of the toughest performances of his career, contributing to the team’s overall struggles.
Recovery and Future Outlook
After the procedure on Monday, Carter was spotted driving into the NovaCare Complex two days later. He appeared to be in good spirits, waving to onlookers without any visible signs of discomfort or support gear.
While the Eagles will be without one of their most talented defenders for the upcoming matchup, the team is optimistic about his return this season. Currently, the plan does not involve placing him on injured reserve, and he is expected to be evaluated on a week-to-week basis.
As the Eagles hold the lead in the NFC East with an 8-4 record and occupy the No. 3 seed in the NFC, the focus will be on how they adapt in Carter’s absence as they prepare for the crucial stretch of the season ahead.
