The Eagles are expected to be without two elite defensive stars on Sunday, as Jalen Carter (ankle) and Darius Slay (knee) are unlikely to play Ian Rapoport reports.
It was Slay’s second missed practice of the week, while Carter injured the ankle on Wednesday and could be a game-time decision for a huge matchup against the New York Jets.
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— #Eagles DT Jalen Carter is dealing with an ankle sprain that is not considered serious, but expected to miss this week. Likely back next week.
— #Eagles CB Darius Slay (knee) is also expected to miss this week, but should be back next week. https://t.co/UY7DQo3z3l— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 13, 2023
Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, who missed last week’s win over the Rams with a back injury, returned to practice on Wednesday in a limited capacity and was a full participant on Thursday.
Second-year linebacker Nakobe Dean practiced for the second time since injuring his foot in the Week 1 win over the Patriots. The Eagles opened Dean’s 21-day practice window to return from Injured Reserve on Tuesday.
Jalen Carter (ankle)
Sirianni stated that Carter’s injury isn’t serious, but he’s in jeopardy of missing the matchup against the Jets.
Nick Sirianni said Jalen Carter got injured in practice on Wednesday. He doesn’t think it’ll “keep him out very long.” Sirianni said “We’ll see” about Carter’s availability on Sunday. Injury report will be out late afternoon today.
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) October 13, 2023
Carter already has 3.5 sacks, and the Eagles have the NFL’s No. 1 rushing defense through five weeks. Philadelphia allows just 61.2 rushing yards per game. The Eagles have allowed only two rushing touchdowns all season.
Carter is Pro Football Focus’s highest-graded interior defender in the NFL after five games. Carter recorded two sacks and finished with four tackles in the Eagles’ 23-14 against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5.
Carter’s 91.8 season-long grade leads all defensive tackles.
Darius Slay (knee)
Slay hasn’t practiced at all this week and has a key matchup with Garrett Wilson.
Nick Sirianni on #Eagles CB Darius Slay’s knee injury. He hasn’t practiced all week yet:
If he has to miss this week, we don’t anticipate it being a long-term thing.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) October 13, 2023
Quez Watkins
Watkins has four catches for 21 yards in 3 games this season, and if he can’t play, Olamide Zaccheaus would start in the slot as the third wideout.
