As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for their Week 16 matchup against the Washington Commanders, the team has released its official inactives list - and there are some notable names who won’t be suiting up on Saturday.
Headliners Out: Lane Johnson, Jalen Carter
Let’s start up front, where veteran right tackle Lane Johnson will miss another game. There was hope earlier in the week that Johnson might return to anchor the line, but the timeline just didn’t line up.
Instead, Fred Johnson - who’s been managing an ankle injury himself - will get the nod at right tackle. It’s not an ideal situation, but Fred’s shown he can hold his own when called upon.
Still, when Lane is out, it’s always a storyline. His absence changes the dynamic of the entire offensive front.
On the defensive side, Jalen Carter remains sidelined. There’s no clear timetable for his return, and with the Eagles’ front showing signs of life - especially with Brandon Graham shifting inside at times - the coaching staff may be playing the long game here. If the defense can keep the momentum going, there’s no need to rush Carter back before the postseason.
Tight End Shuffle: Latu Out, Jenkins Up
Cameron Latu will also miss the game after dealing with a stinger earlier in the week. He was trending in the right direction - limited on Wednesday, full on Thursday - but ultimately, the team decided to err on the side of caution.
In his place, the Eagles elevated E.J. Jenkins, who’ll step into the tight end rotation.
Jenkins brings a different skill set, and it’ll be interesting to see how he’s used in this game plan.
Uche, Dillon Continue to Ride the Bench
Joshua Uche is inactive for the fourth straight game, despite being healthy. The edge rusher hasn’t logged a defensive snap since Week 8, and it’s clear he’s fallen down the depth chart. With the Eagles carrying a deep rotation on the edge, Uche just hasn’t been able to carve out a role.
A.J. Dillon, meanwhile, is inactive for the eighth time in the last nine games.
Like Uche, he’s healthy - but has been the odd man out in the running back room. He hasn’t seen the field since Week 6, and unless there’s a shake-up in the backfield, that trend doesn’t look like it’s changing anytime soon.
Young Depth Still Waiting: McWilliams, Howell
Cornerback Mac McWilliams is once again a healthy scratch. He’s been on the fringe of the active roster for most of the season, but could see some playing time if the Eagles lock up the NFC East and secure their postseason spot - something that could happen as early as this weekend.
Quarterback Sam Howell is listed as the emergency third QB. That means he’ll only be activated if both Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee go down. It’s a standard procedural move, but worth noting as Howell continues to get acclimated to the system.
Eagles Week 16 Inactives:
- OT Lane Johnson - Injury
- DT Jalen Carter - Injury
- TE Cameron Latu - Injury
- EDGE Joshua Uche - Healthy scratch (depth)
- RB A.J. Dillon - Healthy scratch (depth)
- CB Mac McWilliams - Healthy scratch (depth)
- QB Sam Howell - Emergency third quarterback
Commanders Week 16 Inactives:
- QB Jayden Daniels
- RB Chase Edmonds
- OT George Fant
- OT Laremy Tunsil
- TE Colson Yankoff
- DT Eddie Goldman
As the Eagles continue their push toward the postseason, health and depth management are front and center. With key veterans like Lane Johnson and Jalen Carter still working their way back, and younger players waiting in the wings, Philadelphia’s roster decisions this week reflect a team balancing urgency with long-term planning.