**Eagles Face Challenges Without Jalen Carter, But Confidence Remains Strong**
*PHILADELPHIA* — The Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for Monday night’s showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers without their All-Pro defensive tackle, Jalen Carter. Carter, sidelined week-to-week after undergoing procedures on both shoulders, leaves a significant gap in the Eagles’ interior defense. However, the team’s belief and readiness remain unwavering as they enter the final stretch of the regular season with five games left.
### Carter’s Impact and Absence
Jalen Carter has been one of the NFL’s most disruptive forces inside, regularly drawing double teams and influencing opposing protections. Although he hasn’t been fully himself this season, he still made an impact while starting 10 games and logging over 70 percent of the snaps as recently as last week. The necessary shoulder surgeries are aimed at ensuring he’s ready for a potential postseason run.
Replacing Carter’s workload won’t fall on one player alone. The Eagles will rely on their rotation led by Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Byron Young, and rookie Ty Robinson to keep their interior defense intact.
### Rotation Ready to Step Up
Jordan Davis, Carter’s primary partner on the defensive line, expressed confidence in the group’s preparedness. “Whatever the coaches need, we’re ready to go,” Davis said. “You never want to see a teammate down, but that doesn’t change what’s expected of us. The energy at practice today was really up on both sides. I really loved the energy and enjoyed it.”
Rookie defensive tackle Ty Robinson, who had limited playing time during the regular season despite a strong preseason, acknowledged that his responsibilities are about to increase. “Opportunity comes in different ways. We know what’s expected of us now, and we’ve practiced like that all week,” Robinson remarked.
Moro Ojomo could also see additional snaps, with the Eagles likely to mix in various sub-packages that might occasionally feature edge rushers Brandon Graham and Jaelan Carter sliding inside to help compensate for Jalen Carter’s absence.
### Linebackers Feel the Pressure, Too
The absence of Carter doesn’t just affect the defensive line; it creates a ripple effect felt by the linebackers as well. Rookie inside linebacker Jihaad Campbell, an impressive top pick who can also play on the edge, spoke candidly about the challenge ahead.
“Look, Jalen’s a big piece of what we do,” Campbell said. “But we trust our guys. When your name is called, you answer. That’s this week for a lot of us. It’s all about wanting joy for yourself, of course, and wanting joy for everybody else that’s around you. How can I help the team win? How can other players help the team win? How can we all help each other win? That’s the mindset.”
Linebacker Nakobe Dean echoed those sentiments with a broader message about team identity. “It’s not one guy. It’s a unit. It’s a mindset. If one piece is out, the rest of us close ranks,” Dean said.
Both Campbell and Dean noted that Carter’s absence places a premium on communication. The front seven has spent extra time ironing out run-gap calls and ensuring substitution packages function seamlessly.
### A Potentially Favorable Matchup
Despite the setback, the Eagles may still hold an edge against the Chargers on Monday. Los Angeles’ offensive line has struggled with protection and short-yardage situations throughout the season, and their rushing attack has been inconsistent.
That said, recent defensive performances suggest the Eagles cannot take anything for granted. They allowed 281 rushing yards against Chicago last week and have appeared worn down late in multiple fourth quarters this season.
Jordan Davis stressed the importance of setting the tone early against the Chargers. “You can’t wait until the second half. We’ve got to start fast, stay physical, and close,” he said.
—
### Friday Practice Report
– **Did Not Participate (DNP):**
– LG Landon Dickerson (rest)
– DT Jalen Carter (shoulders/out)
– RT Lane Johnson (foot/out)
– **Limited Participation:**
– ILB Zack Baun (hand)
– WR Jahan Dotson (toe)
– EDGE Jaelan Phillips (concussion)
– **Full Participation:**
– S Marcus Epps (shoulder)
– WR Xavier Gipson (shoulder)
– T Myles Hinton (back)
Stay tuned for the latest updates from Philadelphia as the Eagles push to finish the regular season strong.
*Reported by @the_defranc*
https://www.pottsmerc.com/2025/12/05/inside-job-for-eagles-no-carter-no-panic-as-birds-reshuffle-interior/
