Eagles face Giants with depleted rosters and new starters

The Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants enter their Week 9 matchup with rosters thinned by season-ending injuries. The Eagles have lost six consecutive games, a streak attributed to the sudden departure of key personnel. Quarterback Jalen Hurts finished his season after suffering blood clots in his lungs. Right tackle Lane Johnson, a career offensive lineman, announced his retirement following Week 4. These losses have forced Philadelphia to restructure its depth chart rapidly.

New York has also suffered major blows to its roster. Starting quarterback Jaxson Dart tore the MCL, meniscus, and PCL in his left knee during Week 2 against the Rams. Edge rusher Brian Burns, who finished second in the NFL with 16.5 sacks in 2025, is out for the season after tearing his ACL and meniscus in Week 4. The Giants have replaced Dart with J.J. McCarthy, who arrived via trade following the injury. Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux have stepped into starting roles at the edge to cover for Burns.

The Eagles are managing a shortage of healthy running backs. Tank Bigsby is eligible to return at any time after core muscle surgery, but he could miss up to two months. Will Shipley, listed with a Lisfranc injury, is not eligible to return until after Week 9. Dameon Pierce is out until after Week 12. The team’s only healthy back in the starting group is Cam Skattebo, whose recent fumbling issues present a tactical risk for the offense. Running back Will Shipley has carried the ball 20 times for 57 yards this season.

New York’s defensive losses extend beyond the edge. Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who recorded 112 tackles and four interceptions in 2025, is out for the season with a torn chest muscle. Defensive end Chauncey Golston suffered a serious neck injury, while Roy Robertson-Harris tore his Achilles during offseason training. On offense, running back Tyrone Tracy is on the injured list with a hamstring injury. He had 55 rushing yards and two touchdowns in seven games before the injury. Wide receiver Calvin Austin III is also out, having torn his ACL before the season began.

The Giants have adjusted their special teams coverage to account for their injuries. Gunner Olszewski, who tore his Achilles during offseason training, is out for the season. With Olszewski and Austin unavailable, Charlie Jones has served as the primary return specialist. The Eagles’ kicker Jake Elliott appeared on the injury report on Wednesday, though he completed a full kicking session during the media-attended portion of practice.

Joe Milton is set to start at quarterback for the Eagles on Sunday, replacing Tanner McKee, who initially took over after Hurts’ injury. The Giants will field J.J. McCarthy at quarterback. The Eagles have not had a healthy starting running back since Week 4. The Giants have lost their starting quarterback and top two edge rushers since Week 4.

The teams will meet in Philadelphia on Sunday. The Eagles’ injury list includes four running backs, one quarterback, and one right tackle. The Giants’ list includes one quarterback, one edge rusher, one linebacker, two defensive ends, one running back, one wide receiver, and one return specialist.