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Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter has blossomed into one of the NFL’s most dominant players after being selected ninth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Carter finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting a year ago and was named a second-team All-Pro in his sophomore campaign. But with Super Bowl LIX just days away, Carter’s availability may now be in doubt.
The superstar defensive tackle has been limited in practice and missed both Wednesday and Thursday’s media availability due to illness. The Eagles did not disclose what the illness is, but they did state that they expect him to be available for the big game.
Philadelphia fans, however, are beginning to have their doubts.
Is it time to start worrying?
— Charlie CU (@CuCharlie55226) February 6, 2025
The Chiefs are gonna weasel a win on Sunday because the Eagles best defender won’t be 100%. https://t.co/2UszwcwQDg
— ZigZag app coming soon (@steelthistweet) February 6, 2025
Growing a little concerned https://t.co/NhpTUpaKei
— FlyEaglesFly (@steven5417) February 6, 2025
Missing Jalen Carter Would Be A Huge Blow To The Eagles In Super Bowl LIX
When healthy, Carter is an absolute force in the middle for the Eagles. He only recorded 4.5 sacks on the year. But his PFF pass rush grade of 81.5 ranks 7th among all defensive tackles in the league.
Carter was seen a potential top overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, he fell to No. 9 after a tragic street racing incident that took the lives Georgia staffer Chandler LeCroy and teammate Devin Willock. Carter was racing against them at the time. Toxicology reports indicated that LeCroy had been intoxicated at the time of the accident. Police officers said Carter did not appear intoxicated. But he never underwent testing or a toxicology screening as well.
Carter was ultimately charged with reckless driving and street racing. He was sentenced to 12 months of probation, 80 hours of community service, a driving course, and a $1,000 fine. He was also named in a civil suit filed by the father of one of the deceased.
Should Carter miss Super LIX, much of his responsibilities would fall to backup Moro Ojomo, whom the Eagles selected in the seventh round in the same draft as Carter.