Eagles’ Jalen Carter Undergoes Shoulder Surgery, Out for Chargers Game
Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter has undergone surgery on both shoulders, as reported by ESPN. This procedure means he will miss the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football, and his recovery timeline may extend beyond this matchup.
Jalen Carter’s Impact in 2024
Carter experienced a breakout campaign in 2024, despite facing double teams throughout the season. His contributions earned him a Pro Bowl selection and an All-Pro nod. Notably, during the Divisional Round against the Rams, he delivered two decisive plays: a critical sack of quarterback Matthew Stafford and a disrupted fourth down throw that preserved the Eagles’ playoff chances.
Super Bowl Performance
In the Super Bowl, Carter was instrumental in overpowering the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line. His ability to draw attention from two of the Chiefs’ top linemen allowed his teammates to secure advantageous one-on-one matchups. As a result, he played the most snaps among NFL interior defensive linemen in the previous season, totaling an impressive 1,068 snaps.
- Jalen Carter, Eagles: 1,068 snaps
- Zach Allen, Broncos: 1,031 snaps
- Kobie Turner, Rams: 919 snaps
Concerns Ahead of 2025 Season
Heading into the 2025 season, there were concerns regarding Carter’s conditioning. Despite easing those worries with his performance, a new issue arose: potential overuse that could impact his effectiveness. His offseason was affected by a shoulder injury, which limited his training camp participation.
This season has not met the high expectations set by his previous performance. Carter was ejected early in the Eagles’ Week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys for spitting on Dak Prescott. Throughout the first 12 games of the 2025 season, he has recorded only 20 tackles, 2 sacks, and no forced fumbles.
Contract Considerations
As Carter approaches eligibility for a new contract this offseason, there is anticipation that he could command a top-market deal. How his underwhelming performance in the 2025 season affects his contract status remains to be seen.
