Eagles vs. Chargers Injury Report: Key Players Trending in Different Directions Ahead of Monday Night Matchup
As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for their Week 14 Monday Night Football showdown on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers, both teams are navigating a mix of injury concerns that could have a real impact on how this one plays out. Friday's official injury report gave us a clearer picture of who’s trending in the right direction - and who might be on the shelf when kickoff rolls around.
Eagles Dealing with Key Absences in the Trenches
Philadelphia listed three key starters as Did Not Participate in Friday’s practice: Landon Dickerson, Jalen Carter, and Lane Johnson.
Let’s start with Dickerson. The Eagles’ starting left guard was given a rest day, which isn’t overly surprising considering the physical toll he’s taken this season.
He’s been battling through lingering injuries and hasn’t quite looked like the dominant interior lineman we saw last year. A day off could be more about preservation than panic.
Jalen Carter, however, is a different story. The rookie defensive tackle won’t suit up on Monday night due to a shoulder injury.
Whether the team opts to place him on injured reserve remains to be seen, but his absence is a blow to a defensive front that relies heavily on his disruptive presence. Carter has been one of the bright spots on the Eagles’ defense this season, and losing him - even temporarily - takes away a major playmaker in the middle.
Lane Johnson also missed practice and is expected to be out for Monday’s game. That’s a big deal.
When Johnson isn’t in the lineup, the Eagles’ offensive line just doesn’t function the same way. He’s the anchor on the right side, and his absence will test Philly’s depth up front.
There’s optimism he could return in Week 15, but for now, the Eagles will have to adjust.
Limited Participation: Phillips Still in Protocol, Baun and Dotson Managed Carefully
Three players were listed as Limited Participants: Jaelan Phillips, Zack Baun, and Jahan Dotson.
Phillips remains in the concussion protocol, and while he’s been practicing in a limited capacity for two straight days, he hasn’t cleared the final hurdles just yet. There’s still time before Monday night, but it’s definitely something to keep tabs on. The Eagles could use his pass-rushing juice, especially with Carter out.
Baun and Dotson are both dealing with nagging injuries - a hand for Baun and a toe for Dotson. The limited designation suggests the Eagles are managing their workloads carefully to ensure they’re ready for Monday. Neither injury appears serious, but their availability will be worth watching as the weekend progresses.
Full Participants: Epps Nearing Return, Gipson and Hinton Trending Up
Good news for Philly on the back end: Marcus Epps was a Full Participant in practice and appears to be on track to return to the active roster in time to start at safety against the Chargers. The Eagles have until 4:00 p.m. ET on Monday to activate him, and all signs point to that happening.
Xavier Gipson also practiced fully after being limited earlier in the week. It’s a positive sign for a player who’s been working his way back into the mix.
Meanwhile, Myles Hinton continues his return from injured reserve. He’s still within his 21-day practice window, but the clock is ticking - the team has until December 10 to make a decision.
If he’s not activated by then, he’ll be shut down for the season. The Eagles will have to weigh whether he’s ready to contribute or if it’s time to look ahead to next year.
Chargers Injury Update: Herbert Limited, But Optimism Remains
On the other sideline, the Chargers are keeping a close eye on Justin Herbert, who was Limited in practice again due to a left hand issue. That said, the tone coming out of L.A. is upbeat.
The team’s offensive coordinator said they’re “really optimistic” Herbert will be ready to go Monday night. If that holds true, it’s a huge boost for the Chargers’ offense - even if he’s not at 100%.
Tucker Fisk, the team’s No. 2 tight end, was the only Charger to miss practice entirely. He’s dealing with an ankle injury and is expected to be out for Monday’s game.
Rookie RB Omarion Hampton On Track to Return
One big development: rookie running back Omarion Hampton was upgraded to Full Participation after being limited earlier in the week. He’s on track to be activated from injured reserve, and his return could give the Chargers’ backfield a much-needed spark. Hampton showed flashes before the injury, and his physical running style could be a factor against a Philly defense that’s missing some key pieces up front.
Chargers’ Full Participants: Depth Getting Healthier
The Chargers had a long list of players practicing fully on Friday, including Bud Dupree, Da’Shawn Hand, Hassan Haskins, Quentin Johnston, Otito Ogbonnia, Trey Pipkins, and Jamaree Salyer. That’s a solid group of contributors across multiple positions, and getting them back to full strength is a good sign for a team that’s still fighting to stay relevant in the AFC playoff picture.
What It All Means
Both teams are dealing with injuries to key starters, but the Eagles’ issues in the trenches - particularly with Carter and Johnson - could be especially impactful. Philadelphia’s offensive and defensive lines are foundational to their success, and missing elite-level talent on both sides could shift the balance in this Monday night matchup.
On the other hand, the Chargers appear to be trending toward getting Herbert and Hampton back, which could give their offense the firepower it needs to challenge a banged-up Eagles defense.
With playoff implications looming large, this game could come down to which team better navigates its injury situation - and which backups are ready to step up when it matters most.