Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who missed last week’s game with a heel issue, is expected to play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday.
Carter remains listed as questionable on the final injury report, but multiple outlets have noted that the defensive lineman has taken positive steps this week and looks likely to return to the lineup. He sat out the Eagles’ loss to the New York Giants after aggravating a heel problem.
Throughout the week, Carter practiced and logged limited participation in the later sessions before landing on the questionable list, according to the team report. The Eagles have also added depth on the defensive front as a precaution in case Carter cannot play. However, sources indicate the team expects him to be available for at least situational work.
When healthy, Carter provides interior disruption that affects how opponents block and influences how coordinators call plays. The 2023 first-round pick boasts the speed-to-power burst the Eagles value inside, and his presence helps free up edge rushers and linebackers to make impactful plays.
Through five games this season, ESPN’s stat page shows Carter with limited counting statistics, highlighting that his impact often appears in pressures and alignment challenges rather than traditional box-score numbers.
Philadelphia’s defense appeared short-handed without Carter last week. The Eagles generated fewer consistent interior pressures and relied more heavily on exotic blitzes to create rush lanes.
With the Vikings scheming to exploit matchups up front, Carter’s probable availability gives defensive coordinator Vic Fangio a chance to deploy more of his planned fronts and, ideally, contain Minnesota’s run game while creating inside pass-rush opportunities.
The Eagles will wait until final inactives are announced Sunday to confirm Carter’s status, but all indications this week point toward him getting at least some snaps.
If Carter plays, Philadelphia will welcome back a disruptive force capable of collapsing pockets and blunting interior runs. If he does not, the Eagles will once again rely on depth and scheming to replace his physicality.
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