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The injury bug just won’t leave the NFC East alone. As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for a primetime showdown with the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football, both teams are looking a bit banged up. The Eagles have some defensive concerns, while the Giants are keeping a close eye on rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart’s health and his ability to maneuver against a tough Philadelphia defense.

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The Eagles’ latest injury report isn’t looking great. Star defensive tackle Jalen Carter, dealing with a heel injury, was limited in Wednesday’s session and is also questionable for the upcoming game. Linebacker Nakobe Dean has practiced fully all week despite a knee concern and is listed as questionable, but there are hints he might be activated before the game. Losing Carter, one of Philly’s reliable players, would be a significant blow for a defense that’s already been inconsistent this season.

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On the offensive side, tight end Grant Calcaterra and guard Landon Dickerson were both unable to practice all week due to an oblique injury and ankle issue, respectively, and are officially out for the game. Running back Saquon Barkley has been recovering from a knee issue, missing practice on Monday, participating in a limited capacity on Tuesday, and practicing fully on Wednesday. His game status remains to be determined.

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Brett Toth will fill in for Dickerson, while Kylen Granson might take on a bigger role behind Dallas Goedert. Head coach Nick Sirianni will need to adapt quickly as his lineup keeps changing. Linebacker Jihaad Campbell has been limited in practice earlier in the week with a biceps injury but returned to full participation on Wednesday, leaving his game status uncertain. Similarly, defensive tackle Byron Young practiced in a limited capacity Monday and Tuesday before fully participating on Wednesday, with his availability still to be determined.

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As for Giants Several players practiced in a limited capacity throughout the week, including safety Dane Belton with a shoulder issue, quarterback Jaxson Dart with a hamstring injury, safety Jevón Holland with a calf injury, safety Tyler Nubin with a groin injury, cornerback Dru Phillips with a hip injury, and running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. with a shoulder injury. All are expected to be available, though their exact game-time participation will be closely monitored.

Dart appeared on the injury list ahead of Week 5 but played the entire game, and there is no indication his status will change against the Eagles. He will start the game. Though his Mobility might be in question.

Linebackers Swayze Bozeman and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles were unable to practice all week due to an ankle and hamstring injury, respectively, and are officially out. Wide receiver Darius Slayton also missed all practices with a hamstring injury and is out for the game. This leaves Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt to shoulder the load in one of the league’s thinnest receiving corps.

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Tackle Jermaine Eluemunor missed Monday and Tuesday practices with a back issue but participated in a limited session on Wednesday and is listed as questionable, adding to the uncertainty for a struggling offensive line.

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With both teams limping into this matchup, Thursday’s game might come down to who can withstand the injuries better. For the Giants, it’s all about protecting a limited quarterback. For the Eagles, it’s about patching up their defense before things get any worse.

Dart’s Center John Michael Schmitz could be playing his final game in New York

The New York Giants might be watching the final snaps of another offensive line disappointment. Center John Michael Schmitz, once drafted with promise in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has yet to deliver. As the Giants host the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday Night Football, the struggling lineman faces a brutal matchup that could seal his fate in New York.

Schmitz remains under contract through 2026, but his inconsistent play and declining trust from the coaching staff have placed his future in doubt. He’s been one of the league’s least productive centers since entering the NFL. And despite a slight improvement in 2025, his 62.4 pass-block grade ranks just 16th at his position. The results haven’t matched expectations.

The timing couldn’t be worse for him. He’ll be up against Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, two of the most formidable interior defenders in the league. Their mix of strength and speed could expose Schmitz once more. Especially with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart making his first Primetime appearance. If Carter, who’s dealing with a heel injury, gets the green light to play, the pressure on Schmitz will be unyielding.

Even with Andrew Thomas back, New York’s offensive line continues to falter. And while the Eagles’ pass rush has underperformed this year. Ranking near the bottom with just seven sacks, Carter and Davis remain disruptive forces in the trenches.

Adding to the tension, Schmitz has been linked to trade rumors ahead of the deadline. If he struggles again under the lights, this could be his final game as a Giant. For a team desperate for stability up front, patience is clearly running out—and Thursday night may mark the end of another failed experiment.

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