Eagles receive frustrating New Year’s surprise that could hurt the team’s chances of making Super Bowl run

Standout defensive tackle Jalen Carter has a new injury going into Week 18.

Adam Holt — NFL News Writer
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Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) looks on during the third quarter against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Eagles were ecstatic to get star defensive tackle Jalen Carter back in the fold last weekend against the Buffalo Bills. He proved why everyone was awaiting his return, but now, there is a new reason to worry about his outlook for the playoffs.

Jalen Carter dealing with new hip injury, added to injury report ahead of Week 18

The Thursday injury report for Philly held one notable surprise when it comes to the team’s star defender. Carter popped up as a “DNP” due to a hip injury. Carter missed time previously due to injuries to his shoulders and is still feeling the effects of those along with this new injury.

Carter was phenomenal in his return for the Eagles’ Week 17 matchup. He won Special Teams Player of the Week in the NFC for his performance and made a clear impact defensively as well. The impressive defensive tackle was the first player in NFL history to record a sack and a blocked extra point in the same game during their victory over the Bills.

So far this season, he’s been one of the most disruptive defensive tackles in football. He is also an emotional and instinctual leader for the Eagles’ defense.

Eagles DB Marcus Epps now in concussion protocol

Via Dave Zangaro, the Eagles have a new defensive back dealing on the injury report, too. Marcus Epps, who has filled in as depth on defense at times, is now dealing with a concussion. That casts a notable cloud over his availability for the season finale.

Hopefully, he will be able to clear protocol by the time the postseason rolls around. Regardless, it is a positive that Epps and the medical team were able to catch that he was dealing with symptoms and diagnose him.

The Eagles are certainly focused on their first playoff action, as they are expected to rest many starters in Week 18 against the Washington Commanders.

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