The Eagles’ locker room is a cocktail of emotions this week. It’s a mix of sweat, determination, and also the faint, lingering pain of a 34-17 humiliation. Just over two weeks passed since the Giants stormed the Eagles' division party. The same team is back on the schedule again. Can the Eagles dominate and prove the first result was a fluke?
The answer may hinge on the health of a 314-pound cornerstone. Star defensive tackle Jalen Carter, the engine of the Eagles' defense, admitted on October 24 that he is not fully healthy.
Jalen Crater's Concerning Admission
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Carter was blunt when asked if his shoulder and heel issues were behind him. _**"No, it's not behind me, but I'm still working on it every day, going to treatment and stuff like that, and it's going to get better every day."**_ He confirmed it’s a matter of management. _**"Just keep getting treatment for it, and it's going to get better sooner or later."**_ Now, this admission casts a shadow over the crucial rematch.
Can Carter be the dominant force he was against Minnesota, or will the Giants' offense find room to breathe again?
The injury report adds to the concern. Key players like A.J. Brown (hamstring) and Cam Jurgens (knee) have not practiced this week. The offensive line already seems shaky. And it faces a monumental test blocking Dexter Lawrence without its starting center.
This in turn puts immense pressure on Jalen Hurts and a run game that is yet to cause a disruption so far. Saquon Barkley’s production has plummeted drastically. Moreover, the offense must find its identity quickly. Meanwhile, the secondary is another question mark.
A Litmus Test Before the Bye
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With Adoree’ Jackson in concussion protocol, the Giants will likely target Kelee Ringo again. The Eagles’ 22nd-ranked run defense must also try and contain Dart’s scrambling ability. The same Dart who rushed for 58 yards in their last meeting. And that proved to be a key factor in the upset. Now, the defense knows it must be more physical.
Safety Reed Blankenship put it simply: _**“We need to get back to being more physical and playing our style of ball.”**_ Besides, his game is a final exam for the Eagles’ resilience.
The team insists it’s treating this as business as usual. Coach Nick Sirianni preaches a consistent process. But the players’ comments reveal a different truth. Offensive tackle Jordan Mailata called it _**“personal,”**_ vowing, _**“I owe them one.”**_ The emotional undercurrent is palpable.
**Read more:** [**Jalen Hurts delivers cold reply to A.J. Brown amid Eagles camaraderie questions**](https://insidetheiggles.com/jalen-hurts-delivers-cold-reply-to-a-j-brown-amid-eagles-camaraderie-questions)
The Eagles are 5-2. They are leading the NFC East. And a win sends them into the bye week at 6-2. A loss, however, gives the Giants a tiebreaker and seeds doubt. It all circles back to health and heart. Can a banged-up defensive line set the tone? Can the offense overcome its own injuries and establish dominance? The questions are many. And the Eagles need to overcome the bumps and bruises of a long season soon.