With Jalen Carter being ruled out against the Los Angeles Chargers due to a shoulder injury that he has gotten a procedure for, the Philadelphia Eagles will be shorthanded on the interior of the defensive line.
Carter will be week-to-week to return as he looks to be “as close to 100% as possible for the playoff run.” Behind him, a couple of defensive tackles will be ready to make their mark for the Eagles; both have been waiting for an opportunity like this to shine.
Backup DT Moro Ojomo Leads Eagles In Sacks
Even in a reserve role, Moro Ojomo made a big impact on the Eagles, playing in 17 games and making a start last season. He recorded a sack against the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round before making two tackles, including one for loss, in the Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
This year, he leads the Birds with four sacks, despite not recording one since October 26th against the New York Giants. With Carter getting ejected before the Cowboys‘ first drive during the NFL Kickoff game and being ruled out against the Giants with the shoulder injury that required the procedure, Ojomo was called into starting action last minute.
That will not be the case this week, with Ojomo being provided ample time to prepare to start against Los Angeles. He thinks that will help his preparation and performance on the field.
“Yeah, 100 percent. Now, both times (previously) were last-second things. Now we’ll have maybe more of a game plan, more of an idea going into it. We’re more ready and aware, and ready to perform,” said Ojomo.
When asked how his job responsibilities may change without Carter, he added, “Jalen likes to play on the left side of the ball. Little nuances like that can be different to adjust to in who you’re playing and who you’re studying. So yeah, just a little bit.”
Rookie Ty Robinson Has Chance To Make Big Impact
Ojomo is not the only Eagle who could make a name for himself with Carter being out. Rookie defensive tackle Ty Robinson has not had much of a chance to make an impact this season, as he has been a healthy scratch in multiple games this season.
In the one game where Robinson made an impact, he took 19 defensive snaps, recording a tackle and a pass deflection during Philadelphia’s 34-17 loss to the Giants at MetLife Stadium.
But that could change when he is expected to be thrown into the rotation at defensive tackle on Monday night. If he could prove himself and make a big impact down the line, it could earn him more playing time and potentially a bigger contract in a few years.
It could also help the front office decide who to extend, as cap space is always tight. With Ojomo, Carter, and 2022 first-round pick Jordan Davis all being talented options, Philadelphia has a surplus of talent at the position.
If Robinson can complement the other pieces and flash his potential, the Eagles may be comfortable letting Davis walk after his fifth-year option expires in 2026, keeping their operation focused around Carter and Ojomo behind him.
With Jalen Carter sidelined, this will be a big opportunity for Ojomo and Robinson to make their statements known. It might impact Howie Roseman’s long-term plans at defensive tackle and whether the two of them remain Eagles for years to come.
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