Jalen Carter (Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Philadelphia Eagles superstar defensive tackle Jalen Carter didn’t suit up for the ‘Thursday Night Football’ clash against the New York Giants after landing on the injury report with a heel injury.

But apparently, Jalen Carter’s heel injury isn’t the only reason why he was inactive for tonight’s game against the NFC East rivals.

Speaking on Amazon Prime Video’s ‘TNF’ pre-game show, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the MetLife Stadium turf was a factor in the decision to rest the third-year defensive tackle.

“Out tonight with a heel injury, somewhat of a surprise,” Rapoport said. “My understanding is the turf at MetLife Stadium played a part in his decision.”

Many angry NFL fans expressed their anger with the MetLife Stadium turf after Giants star wideout Malik Nabers suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers. In that game, the Bolts also lost All-Pro offensive tackle Joe Alt for multiple weeks with an ankle injury.

With the Eagles still sitting in a good spot at 3-1, it made sense to rest Carter and avoid a potentially catastrophic injury.

Jalen Carter Is Off To A Slow Start In 2025

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
Carter was a beast in the Eagles’ Super Bowl 59 triumph a year ago, but the 2023 first-round pick is off to a surprisingly slow start this season. For starters, he was ejected in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys for spitting in the face of quarterback Dak Prescott.

Jalen Carter has zero sacks over his first four games and has a lackluster Pro Football Focus grade of 59.8, which ranks 93rd among 186 interior defensive linemen.

A player of Carter’s caliber will figure it out eventually, though. The Eagles haven’t looked that great on either side of the ball this year, but their championship DNA and experience suggests a turnaround is in order.