Jaylen Carter is expected to play in the week against the Vikings
Philadelphia Eagles defensive move Jalen Carter, who missed last week’s game with a heel problem, is he expects to play Week against Minnesota VikingsNFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday. Carter remains questionable on the final injury report, but multiple media outlets said the defensive lineman took positive steps this week and looks set to return to the lineup.
Carter was sitting Eagles loss to New York Giants after worsening heel problems. He practiced this week and saw limited action late in the week before being placed on the questionable list, according to the team’s report. The Eagles have added depth on the defensive end in case Carter can’t go, but sources say the team expects him to be available at least for situational work.
When healthy, Carter brings interior disruption that changes how opponents block and how coordinators call plays. The 2023 first-round pick has the speed to power the Eagles crave inside, and his presence helps free up the rushers and linemen to make plays. Through five games this season, ESPN’s stat page shows Carter with limited scoring stats, a reminder that his impact often shows up in pressures and alignment issues rather than scoring numbers.
Philly’s defense looked without Carter last week. The Eagles generated less consistent pressure inside and relied more on exotic blitzes to create southbound lanes. Since the Vikings plan to use matchups up front, Carter is likely availability gives defensive coordinator Vic Fangio a chance to run more of his planned fronts and, ideally, restore Minnesota’s running game while creating passing opportunities.
The Eagles will wait until the final inactives are announced on Sunday to confirm, but everything this week pointed to Carter getting at least some snaps.
If Carter plays, Philadelphia will welcome back a disruptive force that can collapse pockets and blunt interior runs. If he doesn’t, the Eagles will once again rely on depth and scheme to replace his physicality.
2025-10-19 04:55:00
