Jalen Carter's follow-up to his Pro Bowl-worthy 2024 season has been fraught with hurdles, and Thursday saw another added to the list.
The Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle underwent a procedure this week to address issues with both of his shoulders and is considered week to week, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday, per a source. Carter will miss Monday night's game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Rapoport added.
After proving to be a game-wrecking interior force during the Eagles' 2024 run to Super Bowl LIX, Carter hasn't quite looked like himself for most of 2025, a season that began with the third-year star on the sideline after he spit on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott moments before the first play of the regular season. He returned the next week but has been battling shoulder ailments that first surfaced during training camp and have lingered throughout the campaign, limiting his effectiveness and participation rate along Philadelphia's defensive front.
In the Eagles' Black Friday loss to the Chicago Bears -- a game in which Chicago steamrolled Philadelphia's defense to the tune of 281 rushing yards -- Carter was only able to play 70.1 percent of snaps, the second instance in which he's played below 71 percent of snaps this season.
The disappointing defensive showing meant the Eagles could no longer keep Carter's struggles under wraps. On Wednesday, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio revealed Carter was indeed dealing with the same shoulder issue that limited him in the summer and admitted it was still affecting him. A day later, news of Carter's operation completed the once mysterious circle.
The goal of Carter's procedure seems to be motivated by playoff availability and productivity. Ideally, if he underwent the procedure now, he'd have the most time possible to get right before the games matter most.
In the meantime, the Eagles (8-4) will attempt to hold things together with a front that includes Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo and deadline acquisition Jaelan Phillips, who has proven to be a valuable addition in his brief time with Philadelphia.
They'll need them to be at their best in Week 14 when the Eagles fly west to face the Chargers in Los Angeles on Monday Night Football.
