What is Jalen Carter's Timeline to Return to Eagles amid Rumors on Shoulder Injuries?

The Philadelphia Eagles are riding a two-game skid into their matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football, and they were dealt another blow on Thursday.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter will be sidelined after undergoing a procedure on both his shoulders on Monday. Schefter added that Carter will be considered "week to week," as he likely won't be placed on injured reserve at this stage in the season.

Carter recorded his second sack of the season in Philadelphia's 24-15 loss to the Chicago Bears on Black Friday along with four total tackles and two passes defended. The 2024 Pro Bowler was enjoying a solid campaign with 32 tackles and six passes defended in 11 games.

Schefter noted that Carter is now undergoing treatment on both shoulders, and he chose to move forward with the procedure because he "wanted to be as close to 100 percent as possible for the playoff run." The Eagles are hoping to make a run at a second straight Super Bowl title, and Carter being at full strength would certainly boost their chances of achieving that goal.

However, Philadelphia's recent struggles have raised concerns. Before Friday's loss to the Bears, the team had its four-game win streak come to an end against the Dallas Cowboys in a game in which it surrendered a 21-point first-half lead. Carter's absence could make things even worse for the Eagles, as The Athletic's Brooks Kubena explained:

The Eagles will be facing a surging Chargers team that has won five of its last seven games, so head coach Nick Sirianni will have to find the right formula to help the team overcome Carter's absence and avoid extending its losing streak.