The Philadelphia Eagles are entering the stretch run of the season. With four games to go, they have a precarious game and a half lead over the Cowboys in the NFC East. They’ve lost three straight, including a five-turnover game on Monday night against the Chargers in an overtime loss. The Eagles need a get-right performance, badly.
The good news is the Eagles have just the team up next on the schedule to get right against. The two-win Raiders come to Philadelphia riding a seven-game losing streak and without their starting quarterback, Geno Smith. If there was ever a good time for the Eagles to get back into the win column, it would be Sunday against Las Vegas.
The Philadelphia Eagles Will Be Without Two Key Players on Sunday
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 28: Jalen Carter #98 of the Philadelphia Eagles walks off the field after being defeated by the Chicago Bears in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
That said, the Eagles will be missing two important starters against the Raiders on Sunday. Friday’s injury report revealed final practice statuses and game designations against the Raiders, and Philadelphia will be missing RT Lane Johnson due to a foot injury and DT Jalen Carter for injuries to both shoulders.
Johnson’s absence in this one will hurt more than usual, given the Raiders have All-Pro ED Maxx Crosby on their side. Vegas will line Crosby up all over the formation and attack any weaknesses on the opposing offensive line. Johnson is a former All-Pro himself and one of the best pass protectors in the league. His loss is a huge absence for this Eagles team, and it’ll be a “defend Crosby by committee” approach for Philadelphia on the right side of the offensive line.
In other injury news for the Eagles, rookie OT Cameron Williams is officially listed as questionable with a shoulder injury, though he’ll need to be formally activated off of Injured Reserve (IR) before he can play. OT Fred Johnson (ankle), LG Landon Dickerson (calf/rest), LB Zack Baun (hand), and LS Charlie Hughlett (abdomen) all have no game designations against the Raiders, clearing them all to play.
Philadelphia Eagles DT Jalen Carter is Having Another Great Season
In 11 games, Carter has 32 tackles, two sacks, six passes defensed, and a blocked kick. It’s another great statistical year for Carter, who hit the ground running as a rookie in 2023 and followed it up with his first All-Pro season last year.
Carter has missed some time, with an ejection before the first snap of the season opening game and more recently due to this shoulder injury. Still, his disruptive presence on the field cannot be denied when he’s out there. He changes what the Eagles can do and how teams have to play them, with extra attention being given to Carter at all times.
There simply aren’t many interior pass rushers with the level of game-wrecking potential that Carter has. Despite the Eagles being heavily favored, they’ll miss him for sure.
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