Eagles' Week 14 Injury Report: Defensive Depth Tested Ahead of Chargers Matchup
The Philadelphia Eagles opened Week 14 with their first injury report, and while only two players sat out entirely, the concerns are stacking up-especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Let’s start with the two DNPs (Did Not Practice), and neither comes as a shock. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter is officially out for Sunday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers after undergoing a procedure on both shoulders.
He’s now week-to-week, and while the team hasn’t put a firm timeline on his return, it’s clear he could miss more than just this one game. On the other side of the ball, right tackle Lane Johnson remains sidelined with a foot injury.
The expectation is that he won’t be back until Week 15 when the Eagles take on the Raiders.
But it’s the limited participants that really raise some red flags for Philly.
Defensive Depth in the Spotlight
Linebacker Zack Baun (hand) and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips (concussion) were both limited in practice, and that’s where things get tricky. Baun has been the engine in the middle of this defense-a versatile, high-IQ linebacker who wears multiple hats in Vic Fangio’s scheme. Losing him, even for a game, would mean reshuffling a unit that’s already trying to find its rhythm.
Phillips, meanwhile, is still working his way back after missing time. He’s a key piece in the Eagles’ pass rush, and even though he’s been limited in recent games, his presence on the edge helps take pressure off the secondary and opens things up for the interior linemen. With Carter already out, the Eagles are dangerously close to being too thin up front.
Epps Could Be the X-Factor
There is a silver lining, though, and it comes in the form of veteran safety Marcus Epps. He practiced fully on Wednesday after recently being designated to return from injured reserve. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio hinted that Epps could be in line to start this week, possibly replacing Sydney Brown, who struggled in last week’s 24-15 loss to the Bears.
Epps brings experience and stability to the back end of the defense. He was a starter on the Eagles’ Super Bowl team in 2022 and knows this system inside and out. If he’s ready to go, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him take over the starting role immediately.
Offensive Notes: WR Room Worth Monitoring
On offense, wide receivers Jahan Dotson (toe) and Xavier Gipson (shoulder) were both limited. Dotson’s availability is particularly important-he’s the Eagles’ go-to option in the slot, and his absence would force some adjustments in how they attack the middle of the field. Gipson, meanwhile, has already been replaced by Britain Covey in the return game, so there’s less urgency to rush him back unless he’s fully ready.
Looking Ahead
The Eagles will continue to monitor all of these situations as the week progresses, but the big question heading into Sunday is how many of these defenders will actually be available-and how many could end up missing time beyond this week.
With the Chargers on deck and the playoff race heating up, the Eagles can’t afford to lose much more on defense. The next few days of practice will be critical in shaping what this lineup looks like come game time.