Oct 22, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane reported Tuesday that Jalen Carter sat the first defensive series of Monday's Eagles game because "he was late for something team-related last week."
#Eagles DT Jalen Carter didn’t start or play in the first defensive series against the Falcons because he was late for something team-related last week, NFL sources told The Inquirer.
Carter was on the field for the second series and, overall, played 46 of 61 snaps on defense —…
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) September 17, 2024
You are forgiven if you didn't notice when Carter entered or exited the game; he didn't do much to make his presence known. Carter's stat line against the Falcons is nothing but goose eggs, with the exception of exactly one assisted tackle.
To be fair, Carter had a tough matchup against Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom, a two-time Pro Bowler:
Chris Lindstrom vs. Jalen Carter was a heavyweight fight between two elite-level players. Lindstrom had decisive win after decisive win until later in the game when Carter notched a couple of pressures. Incredible matchup to study 🍿📽️ pic.twitter.com/kUlDxsPMkQ
Jalen Carter almost got one on Chris Lindstrom pic.twitter.com/G5UsJV3HwS
As far as team infractions go, tardiness is not particularly disconcerting. Expect Carter to start next week's game in New Orleans. He and the rest of the Birds' defense will have their work cut out for them, as the Saints' offense has dropped a staggering 91 points on its first two opponents.
