Eagles Rule Out Carter and Lane Johnson; Justin Herbert Questionable Ahead of Monday Night Clash

Introduction: A High-Stakes Monday Night Football Battle

The Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Chargers are preparing for one of the most highly anticipated matchups of Week 14. But as kickoff approaches, both teams enter Monday Night Football facing significant uncertainty. The Eagles have officially ruled out two of their most important starters—defensive tackle Jalen Carter and right tackle Lane Johnson—while Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has been listed as questionable due to a lingering hand injury.

What was already projected to be a tightly contested primetime showdown has now taken a dramatic turn, with both teams forced to recalibrate strategies at critical positions.

Eagles Lose Two Cornerstone Players

The biggest headline out of Philadelphia’s camp is the absence of Jalen Carter, who was ruled out earlier in the week after undergoing treatment on both shoulders. Carter has been a disruptive force on the Eagles’ defensive line, and losing him against a strong rushing team like the Chargers creates immediate concerns.

The Eagles appear to be taking a cautious approach, understanding that re-aggravating Carter’s shoulder issues could jeopardize his availability in the final stretch leading into the playoffs. With Philadelphia trying to hold onto momentum amid a challenging schedule, preserving Carter long-term seems to be the priority.

Meanwhile, the Eagles’ offensive line takes another hit, as Lane Johnson is set to miss his third straight game. Although the Eagles have successfully adapted in certain stretches without him in past seasons, Johnson’s absence is always felt. His dominance at right tackle is a stabilizing force for quarterback Jalen Hurts, especially in high-pressure moments.

Veteran Fred Johnson will once again step into the starting right tackle role, but keeping Hurts protected against an aggressive Chargers front—especially one coached by Jim Harbaugh—will be a central challenge for the Eagles.

Defensive Depth Will Be Tested

With Carter sidelined, the Eagles will rely heavily on their rotation of interior linemen: Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Byron Young, and Ty Robinson. The rookie Robinson, who has been a healthy scratch for most of the season, could finally see meaningful snaps.

Philadelphia also has Ta’Quon Graham and Gabe Hall available on the practice squad, but calling them up will depend on how comfortable the coaching staff feels with the current rotation.

Stopping the run will be a major storyline heading into Monday night. The Chargers are expected to lean on their ground game even more heavily if Herbert’s availability becomes uncertain.

This puts additional pressure on the Eagles, whose defensive interior must fill the explosive gap that Carter regularly anchors.

Justin Herbert: The Question Mark That Changes Everything

On the Chargers’ side, all eyes remain on Justin Herbert, who continues to recover from a left-hand injury that required stabilization with a plate and screws. Despite the injury being on his non-throwing hand, the impact on his ball handling, mobility, and comfort remains a concern.

The Chargers have officially listed Herbert as questionable, although early indications suggest optimism within the organization. If Herbert is unable to play, Trey Lance will take the field—an outcome that dramatically alters the trajectory and expectations for the game.

Even if Herbert starts, his protection will be a major storyline. The Chargers’ offensive line has struggled all season, with Herbert absorbing among the highest QB hits and pressure rates in the league. Facing a Philadelphia defense hungry to rebound from inconsistent performances only amplifies the stakes.

A Closer Look at the Eagles’ Secondary and Safety Situation

Another important development from the Eagles’ report is the status of Marcus Epps, who has been designated questionable after the team opened his 21-day practice window from injured reserve. He practiced fully throughout the week, signaling that he may be ready to return.

If activated, Epps could immediately reclaim a starting safety role, especially with young defensive backs facing a steep challenge against the Chargers’ varied passing attack.

Myles Hinton, also questionable, faces a ticking clock as his practice window nears expiration. Philadelphia appears in no rush to activate him, implying confidence in their current offensive line depth—even without Lane Johnson.

Players Cleared to Play Despite Midweek Concerns

Good news came in the form of several important Eagles players being cleared with no injury designation:

• Landon Dickerson
• Jaelan Phillips
• Zack Baun
• Jahan Dotson
• Xavier Gipson

Phillips in particular raised concern after being limited by a concussion earlier in the week, but Saturday’s full practice suggests he is ready for full participation on Monday. With the Eagles already stretched thin defensively, having Phillips available is a crucial win.

What This Means for Monday Night Football

The matchup now hinges on several pressing questions:

1. Can the Eagles’ offensive line protect Hurts without Lane Johnson?

The Chargers’ defensive scheme will undoubtedly attempt to exploit this weakness.

2. Will Justin Herbert suit up—and if he does, will he be effective?

A limited Herbert still significantly elevates the Chargers’ chances, but his protection remains a major variable.

3. Can the Eagles stop the Chargers’ run-first approach without Jalen Carter?

Jordan Davis and the defensive rotation will be under a massive spotlight.

Conclusion: A Game Shaped by Uncertainty

Monday Night Football was already shaping up to be a pivotal moment for both teams, but the final injury report has changed the complexion of the matchup entirely.

The Eagles must navigate the absence of two star players, while the Chargers hold their breath awaiting the final decision on Justin Herbert.

In a game where momentum, playoff implications, and team identity are on the line, the smallest details may become the deciding factors.

One thing is certain: when the Eagles and Chargers take the field under the primetime lights, the stakes will be higher than ever—and every snap will matter.