EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter is not playing in the reigning Super Bowl champions’ game at the New York Giants on Thursday night because of a heel injury.

Carter was made inactive for the prime-time game after showing up on the injury report with the heel ailment on Wednesday and being listed as questionable. He traveled with the team and had a discussion on the field two hours before kickoff with coaches and general manager Howie Roseman before walking off into the tunnel.

It’s the latest twist in an eventful NFL season for Carter, who was ejected seconds into the opener for spitting on Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott. Ruled out before traveling for Philadelphia were left guard Landon Dickerson (ankle) and tight end Grant Calcaterra (oblique).

Linebacker Nakobe Dean is active for his first game since injuring his left knee Jan. 12 during the Eagles’ first playoff game of their title run.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles suffered a significant setback on Thursday night as star defensive tackle Jalen Carter was officially ruled out of the reigning Super Bowl champions’ matchup against the New York Giants due to a lingering heel injury.

The announcement came just hours before kickoff, dampening the mood for Eagles fans who had hoped to see Carter anchor the defensive line in one of the most anticipated divisional battles of the season. Carter was a surprise addition to Wednesday’s injury report, where he was listed as questionable after complaining of heel discomfort during practice. Despite traveling with the team to MetLife Stadium, the coaching staff ultimately decided to sideline him after pregame evaluations determined that he wasn’t physically ready to compete at full strength.

Before the game, Carter was spotted on the field talking with several members of the coaching staff, including head coach Nick Sirianni, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, and general manager Howie Roseman. The group appeared deep in discussion, likely weighing the risks of playing him through the pain. After a brief warmup and consultation, Carter shook hands with his teammates and walked slowly off the field, disappearing down the tunnel—a sign that the decision had been made.

The absence of Carter, one of the most explosive interior linemen in the league, is a major blow for the Eagles’ defense. The 23-year-old has been a disruptive force since entering the NFL, known for his speed, strength, and relentless motor. Through the first few weeks of the 2025 season, he had already recorded several sacks, multiple tackles for loss, and was a key component in Philadelphia’s dominance up front. His presence often draws double teams, freeing up other defenders to make plays. Without him, the Eagles’ pass rush will need to rely heavily on Jordan Davis, Fletcher Cox, and Milton Williams to contain the Giants’ offensive line.

This latest setback adds to what has been a turbulent year for Carter both on and off the field. The defensive tackle made headlines in Week 1 when he was ejected just seconds into the game for allegedly spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott—an incident that sparked controversy and drew criticism across the league. Though Carter later apologized publicly, the moment cast a shadow over his otherwise promising start to the season. Now, with his health in question, the Eagles are forced to regroup and adjust quickly as they navigate the challenges of defending their Super Bowl title.

In addition to Carter’s absence, the Eagles were also without left guard Landon Dickerson (ankle) and tight end Grant Calcaterra (oblique), both of whom were ruled out before the team’s flight to New Jersey. The loss of Dickerson weakens an offensive line that has been the foundation of Philadelphia’s success, particularly in protecting quarterback Jalen Hurts and powering their strong running game. Calcaterra’s injury, meanwhile, limits the Eagles’ tight end depth behind starter Dallas Goedert, forcing the team to elevate a practice-squad player for the prime-time clash.

There was at least one encouraging development: linebacker Nakobe Dean was activated for his first game since January 12, when he injured his left knee during the Eagles’ opening playoff matchup in their championship run. Dean’s return adds much-needed energy and leadership to a defensive unit that has struggled with consistency over the past few weeks.

As the Eagles took the field under the bright lights of MetLife Stadium, the stakes remained high. Sitting atop the NFC East but facing mounting injuries, the defending champions know that every game counts in their pursuit of another deep playoff run. For Jalen Carter, the hope now is that rest and treatment will allow him to return soon—and that his absence won’t derail Philadelphia’s momentum in the crucial stretch ahead.