Jalen Carter, the controversial Eagles star ejected for a disgusting act, becomes another MetLife victim, opting not to playng in Philadelphia's matchup against the Giants on New York's turf
22:06 ET, 09 Oct 2025Updated 22:06 ET, 09 Oct 2025
Jalen Carter #98 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the Denver Broncos at Lincoln Financial Field on October 5, 2025 in Philadelphia, United States
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Jalen Carter was among the few players who were inactive in the Philadelphia Eagles' matchup against the New York Giants(Image: Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Jalen Carter was one of the handful of players not suited up against the New York Giants, a decision that comes after the star was ejected for spitting on Dak Prescott in the season opener.
The Giants infamously play on turf at MetLife Stadium in New York, and it is clear that players are taking notice of the playing surface and making decisions they believe will benefit their careers. Carter was revealed to be one of those players who opted not to play Thursday.
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Before the Philadelphia Eagles' matchup against the Giants, NFL Network's insider Ian Rapoport explained which players would not suit up at MetLife. Rapoport's update comes after Giants star Malik Nabers tore his ACL playing on the much-maligned playing surface.
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"First of all, you mentioned Malik Nabers out for the season with a torn ACL. My understanding is he's going to have surgery in a couple of weeks after he strengthens that knee a little bit," the insider began on Amazon's 'Thursday Night Football' broadcast.
"Meanwhile, on the other side of things for the Philadelphia Eagles, Jalen Carter, one of the best defensive tacklers in the NFL out tonight with a heel injury, somewhat of a surprise. My understanding is the turf at MetLife Stadium played a part in his decision."
For Carter, the decision comes after Nabers, the Giants' star receiver, sustained a season-ending knee injury against the Los Angeles Chargers. In the past, former New York star Odell Beckham Jr. posted on X that the league has to do something to prevent more injuries from occurring at MetLife.
Devonta Smith #6 of the Philadelphia Eagles carries the ball as Bobby Okereke #58 of the New York Giants defends during the first quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on October 09, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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The Philadelphia Eagles took on the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium(Image: Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
"Dear NFL, I mean this with the upmost love and respect. We (The NFL) take all The precautions in the world with EVERYthing else when it comes to players 'health' and 'safety'. PLZ. PLZ. PLZ. GET RID OF THE TURF. Thank You in advance," Beckham's post began.
"Respect and u kno I loveeeee the giants , but DeathLife has taken too many talented players away from the game. I kno it’s not ALL the turfs fault but at least maybe it to where we’ve gotten all research done to if TURF has to stay it’s at the HIGHEST of quality possible. At least can we start the discussion."
New York Jets receiver Garrett Wilson also spoke about his dislike for the surface, stating in 2023: "It's garbage, man. You're out there running and all of a sudden your legs aren't in the same place your head is at. What's the difference between (practice during) the week, and now? You look down, and you see the turf.
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"Everyone's got to play on it, everyone is trying to do what they can. I'm figuring it out."
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Veteran running back Raheem Mostert also criticized the playing surface. "It’s tough, especially playing on this turf. No player wants to go down with a significant injury. You saw what happened to [Aaron] Rodgers, in his very first game within the first series. It just sucks, man."
Along with Rodgers, Nabers, Beckham, a good handful of players have been injured by playing on turf.
Wan'Dale Robinson, Sterling Shepard, Nick Bosa, Solomon Thomas, Matt Peart, Jonotthan Harrison, T.J. Brunson, Rodarius Williams, Levine Toilolo, Jabrill Peppers, Blake Martinez, Aaron Robinson, Marcu McKethan, Kyle Fuller, Darrian Beavers and Jaelan Phillips all were injured playing on turf.