Eagles Get Bad News on DE Jalen Carter Heading Into TNF
The Philadelphia Eagles have been one of the best teams in the league during the 2025 NFL season through the first five weeks, with the defending Super Bowl champions looking like a legitimate title contender in the NFC once again.
However, the Eagles are coming off their first loss of the 2025 campaign, as the team was unable to put away the Denver Broncos in Week 5. Saquon Barkley and company will hope to bounce back in Week 6, as they will be on the road taking on Jaxson Dart and the division rival New York Giants.
Even though the Eagles are currently heavily favored (-7.5) heading into this NFC East battle at MetLife Stadium, Philadelphia could be without arguably its best defensive player, with star defensive tackle Jalen Carter dealing with a heel issue.
Eagles’ Jalen Carter in Danger of Missing Week 6 vs. Giants
According to the Eagles’ injury report that came out on Wednesday, Carter was a limited participant in practice and is considered questionable for Thursday’s game in New York.
Obviously, if Carter is ultimately ruled out due to the heel injury, the Eagles will be a much different team defensively on Thursday in New York.
The perfect example is Week 1’s NFC East showdown with the Dallas Cowboys after Carter was ejected before even taking a defensive snap. The game completely changed, with Dallas putting pressure on the defending Super Bowl champions.
Philadelphia was still able to come out on top against the Cowboys, but the game could’ve gone either way following Carter’s exit.
As for Week 6, the situation is a little different, as the Eagles will be facing a rookie quarterback making only his second start of his NFL career. Dart is also coming off a disappointing performance in his first start, as he couldn’t lead the Giants to a win over the New Orleans Saints.
It’ll be interesting to see what the impact of Carter’s potential absence on Thursday could have on the game, as the last thing head coach Nick Sirianni and company want is to drop a second straight game.
Saquon Barkley Revenge Game vs. Giants
GettySaquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
One Eagles star that will be highly motivated heading into this Week 6 matchup on the road at MetLife Stadium will be Barkley. It’s no secret that the divorce between the Giants and the superstar running back wasn’t pretty, as he felt he wasn’t valued and chose to sign with a division rival, which turned out to be a career-changing move.
Along with the Barkley returning to New York to take on his old team, the veteran back is coming out with a documentary about the last five years of his career, with the Giants prominently featured for obvious reasons.
There could be some added bad blood on both sides coming into this Thursday Night Football showdown in the Big Apple, with Barkley likely wanting to put on a show and the Giants brass wanting a win with their future face of the franchise under center.
Geno Smith: 'I Speak My Mind Like Kobe and MJ – That's Who I Am!'
In a world where athletes are often expected to toe the line and maintain a certain image, Geno Smith, quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, is breaking the mold by unapologetically speaking his mind. Smith’s outspoken nature has often been a topic of conversation, but in a recent interview, he made it clear that this directness isn’t just a habit — it’s a part of who he is.
“I don't shy away from speaking my mind,” Smith stated confidently. “I speak my mind like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. Those are my idols. And if they could do it, I can too.” For Smith, being upfront about his thoughts and feelings isn’t about causing drama or stirring the pot — it's about maintaining authenticity and staying true to himself, regardless of the consequences.
Throughout his career, Smith has often been seen as someone who doesn’t hold back. Whether addressing issues with his former coaches, teammates, or discussing his performance, Smith doesn’t hesitate to voice his honest opinion. While this has sometimes led to friction with the media and front-office staff, including his time with the Seattle Seahawks, Smith makes no apologies for the way he carries himself.
“I know it rubs people the wrong way, but I’m not trying to win any popularity contests,” Smith continued. “I’m here to win games, be authentic, and show my teammates that I’m someone who can be trusted. I’m not here to pretend to be someone I’m not.”
This no-nonsense approach to leadership is a characteristic that’s often associated with legends like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, two of Smith’s biggest idols. Both of these basketball icons were known for their fierce competitiveness and their unfiltered honesty, traits that Smith has incorporated into his own leadership style.
While some may view his openness as a risk, Smith firmly believes that it’s the key to building trust with his teammates and showing them that he’s in this for the long haul. It’s not just about football for Smith; it’s about creating a culture of honesty, accountability, and commitment. He wants his team to know that they can rely on him to speak the truth — even when it’s uncomfortable.
As Smith continues to take the reins for the Raiders, his leadership style will undoubtedly continue to evolve. But one thing is clear: he’ll remain true to his nature, just as his idols did before him.
