Jalen Carter, Quinyon Mitchell Injury Update: Will Eagles Face Carson Wentz vs. Vikings?

The Philadelphia Eagles are preparing to face a familiar face in quarterback Carson Wentz when they host the Minnesota Vikings on October 19. But a major question looms over their defensive lineup: will star defensive tackle Jalen Carter return from injury in time for the crucial matchup?

Carter, who suffered a heel injury on October 8, missed the following night’s game against the New York Giants and remains questionable for the Vikings clash. Meanwhile, rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell has been cleared to play after recovering from a hamstring injury, bolstering the Eagles’ secondary ahead of the Week 7 showdown.

Jalen Carter’s Injury Status Still Uncertain

Carter’s recovery has been a rollercoaster over the past week. After initially being listed as a full participant in practice on October 15, the 2023 first-round pick was downgraded to “limited” over the next two sessions, signaling a possible setback. The 23-year-old told reporters that his heel was “feeling good” earlier in the week and expressed optimism about returning against Minnesota. However, his recent status change has cast doubt on his availability.

“My heel feels good,” Carter said on October 15. “I’ve been in recovery, going to the training room, getting it back right. It ain’t gonna be the fastest, but I feel good enough to play this week.”

This is the second time this season Carter has been sidelined unexpectedly. He was also a late scratch in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys after being ejected before the first defensive snap. Against the Giants, the injury arose late in practice, and though he tested it before the game, he ultimately couldn’t take the field.

“Being on the sidelines was never my thing,” Carter admitted. “I’ve never missed a game like that my whole life, college and all. I wanted to be out there to help the guys and be an impact to the team, but I couldn’t do that at the time.”

Quinyon Mitchell Cleared, Landon Dickerson Questionable

There is good news for the Eagles’ defense. Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, who exited the Giants game in the first half with a hamstring issue, has been cleared to play. His return will be critical as the Eagles face a Vikings offense that has shown flashes of explosiveness this season.

Left guard Landon Dickerson (ankle) is listed as questionable, despite being a full participant in practice on October 17. Dickerson has not played since leaving the October 5 game against the Broncos. Tight end Grant Calcaterra (oblique) has been ruled out and will miss his third straight game.

Carson Wentz Set to Face Former Team Again

All signs point to Carson Wentz starting for the Vikings, though rookie J.J. McCarthy’s limited return to practice could complicate that decision. Wentz, drafted second overall by the Eagles in 2016, was traded in 2021 and is now with his fifth team since leaving Philadelphia. The last time he faced his former team was in September 2022, when the Eagles sacked him nine times in a 24-8 win over the Washington Commanders.

Since then, Wentz’s career has taken several turns. He spent 2023 with the Los Angeles Rams and served as Patrick Mahomes’ backup with the Kansas City Chiefs last season. Minnesota signed him on August 24 after trading Sam Howell to Philadelphia.

Despite the uncertainty under center for the Vikings, Carter acknowledged earlier in the week that he expects Wentz to be the starter. “I had a pretty good idea Wentz would continue to start,” he said, noting McCarthy’s ankle injury that sidelined him for three games.

What’s at Stake for Philadelphia

The Eagles’ defense, ranked among the NFL’s top units in sacks and pressure rate, will rely heavily on Carter’s availability to disrupt Wentz and the Vikings’ passing attack. If Carter can’t go, the pressure falls on veteran Fletcher Cox and rookie Milton Williams to anchor the interior defensive line.

Philadelphia enters the game 5-1 and leading the NFC East, while Minnesota is fighting to stay in playoff contention. A strong defensive performance could not only secure another win but also mark a symbolic victory against a former franchise quarterback whose departure reshaped the Eagles’ future.

Whether Jalen Carter suits up or not could be the difference in how aggressively the Eagles attack Carson Wentz on Sunday. With Quinyon Mitchell back and momentum on their side, Philadelphia aims to keep its dominance rolling into Week 7.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Will Jalen Carter play against the Vikings?

Carter remains questionable due to a heel injury. He was downgraded to limited in practice and will likely be a game-time decision.

Q2: Is Quinyon Mitchell cleared to play?

Yes. Mitchell has recovered from his hamstring injury and is expected to return to action against Minnesota.

Q3: Who will start at quarterback for the Vikings?

Carson Wentz is expected to start, though rookie J.J. McCarthy has returned to practice on a limited basis.

Q4: What is Carson Wentz’s history against the Eagles?

Wentz faced the Eagles once before in 2022, when he was sacked nine times in a 24-8 loss while with the Commanders.

Q5: Who is ruled out for the Eagles?

Tight end Grant Calcaterra (oblique) will miss his third consecutive game.