Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) takes the field before the NFC wild card game against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Bill Streicher
One of the biggest differences between the 2022 and 2024 Eagles — both of whom ultimately met the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl — is the presence of superstar defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
That is, assuming Carter is present for Super Bowl LIX Sunday.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio spoke with John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia Thursday afternoon and updated Carter's status after he was unavailable to meet with the media for the second day in a row:
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio told me Jalen Carter has an illness that is going around through some of the team, but he hopes Jalen will be good for the Super Bowl. Jalen was a limited participant in practice yesterday and was not at the media sessions. pic.twitter.com/l3nHE55Deo
Carter was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, with "illness" listed on the injury report.
One would think that Carter will play Sunday regardless, although given the workload he's taken on in his second NFL season, it would be a major development if he's not at 100%. There are still a few days for him to feel better, and most bugs will clear up in a few days with hydration and rest. Of course, we don't know the extent of what Carter is dealing with right now and who else might also be experiencing symptoms from this illness.
The No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Carter has emerged as one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the sport this season, posting 16 quarterback hits and 12 tackles for a loss during the regular season. If the Chiefs elect to continue using Joe Thuney — typically their left guard — at left tackle, Carter could potentially feast on the interior of Kansas City's defensive line in the Super Bowl. It will be a lot easier to do that if he's past this sickness.
Chris Simms loves Jalen Carter.
"He's as good as we've ever seen!"
Video: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/NlIjEwQ0dm
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