Sirianni keeps quiet on Jalen Carter’s limited minicamp workload

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter did not take part in team drills during the club’s minicamp this week, and head coach Nick Sirianni declined to explain why he was limited. Sirianni said Carter has been able to work in some individual situations, but avoided linking the workload decision to any single factor. Carter is eligible for a contract extension after completing his third NFL season.

Carter is also working back from shoulder injuries that cost him time during the 2025 season. He had offseason surgery to address the issue, and Sirianni said Carter has been putting in the work to be in the best possible position entering training camp. The coach declined to say whether the shoulder recovery influenced the decision to keep Carter out of team drills.

Sirianni also did not address whether contract considerations played any role in Carter’s participation, saying only that players can be in “different boats” at this point of the offseason program. The team did not provide further detail on Carter’s status beyond Sirianni’s comments.

Contract timeline and what the Eagles have said

Carter is under contract through 2027 after the Eagles exercised a $27.127 million option on his deal earlier this offseason. That timeline makes him extension-eligible, but there has been no public indication of whether negotiations are underway.

With minicamp workloads often tailored to individual circumstances, the club’s decision not to specify a reason leaves multiple possibilities open, including the normal management of a player returning from surgery. Sirianni’s remarks emphasized rehabilitation and preparation for the start of camp rather than any concern about Carter’s longer-term availability.

What to watch heading into training camp

If Carter remains out of team work once training camp begins, questions are likely to intensify over whether health, contract strategy, or both are contributing to the continued limitation.