Jalen Carter remains sidelined at training camp ahead of Eagles' first padded practice

Philadelphia Eagles starting defensive tackle Jalen Carter did not participate in NFL training camp practice for the third straight day on Saturday, July 26.

Carter has been dealing with a shoulder injury, according to various reports. 

The good news is that if Carter's shoulder injury was very serious, the Eagles would have more than likely placed him on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list at the start of camp.

The Eagles hold their first padded practice on Monday, so Carter's return to the field is something to watch. 

Jalen Carter Projected to Have Even Bigger 2025 NFL Season

Carter, the No. 9 overall pick out of Georgia, made an immediate impact for the Birds as a rookie.

He played in all 16 games, racking up 33 total tackles (20 solo), six sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. His outstanding first year earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team and a runner-up finish for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Carter took another step forward in 2024. He started every game and finished the year with 42 tackles (25 solo), 4.5 sacks, six pass deflections, and two more forced fumbles. That effort landed him his first Pro Bowl nod, and he played a key role in helping the Eagles make it to Super Bowl LIX.

While he didn’t light up the stat sheet in the Eagles' historic 40-22 Super Bowl win over the Chiefs, his presence was felt as he helped shut down Patrick Mahomes' wishful three-peat. 

Through two seasons so far, Carter has firmly established himself as a key piece of the Eagles’ defense, with total of 75 tackles (44 solo), 10.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery under his belt.

He is projected by many experts to have an even better Year 3.