Eagles injury update: Pro Bowler returns to practice after missing 3 games

Eagles Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jalen Carter returned to practice on Tuesday after missing the last few weeks.

By Dave Zangaro • Published December 23, 2025

Some good news as the Eagles got back on the field Tuesday afternoon: Jalen Carter returned to practice.

So there’s a good chance he’ll return to action on Sunday against the Bills in Buffalo after missing the last three games.

While Carter returned to practice on Tuesday inside the NovaCare Complex bubble, there was no sign of Lane Johnson (foot), who has missed the last five games. Landon Dickerson (calf) and Nakobe Dean (hamstring) were not practicing either but they were spectators.

Carter, 24, has missed the last three games after having a procedure in both shoulders after the loss to the Bears. In his absence, the other defensive tackles have played very well. But getting Carter back would be a welcome boost.

Even though he has played in 10 games this season, Carter was named to his second consecutive Pro Bowl this week.

Johnson, 35, has missed the last five games since suffering a Lisfranc sprain in his foot on Nov. 16. While veteran backup Fred Johnson played well over those five games — he gave up just 1 sack and 7 pressures — the Eagles have gone 2-3 without Johnson this season. And they would obviously love to have their future Hall of Famer back on the field.

Before the injury, Johnson was still playing at an extremely high level in 10 games this season. Johnson hasn’t surrendered a sack and has given up just seven pressures all season in 262 pass blocking reps.

Dickerson has been able to play through this calf injury but has missed time during the last few weeks as the Eagles try to give him rest. That will likely happen again this week.

If Dean can’t go on Sunday — and DC Vic Fangio called Dean "iffy” for this game — then rookie Jihaad Campbell would start next to Zack Baun. Campbell was a first-round pick in April and was the starter earlier this season before Dean returned from the PUP list.

Tight end/fullback Cameron Latu practiced on Tuesday after missing the Commanders game with a stinger.

https://www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/eagles-injury-update-jalen-carter-lane-johnson-nakobe-dean-landon-dickerson-bills/702688/

It would be good to see him back today but only if he’s absolutely ready. And there’s probably a bigger argument to keep him out? Rest him until the play offs and have a truly ready to go Carter that’s going to be hungry to go out there and show everyone the injuries really were the reason he was underperforming.