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The Philadelphia Eagles received a major boost ahead of their Super Bowl LIX clash with the Kansas City Chiefs, as two pivotal players are set to return from injuries. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter and running back Kenny Gainwell upgraded to full practice participation Thursday, signaling their readiness for Sunday’s high-stakes rematch. Their comeback could tilt the scales in a game dripping with legacy and redemption.
Carter and Gainwell Return to Bolster Philadelphia Eagles’ Lineup
Carter, a Pro Bowl rookie, had been sidelined earlier this week due to an illness spreading through the Eagles’ locker room. The ninth overall pick in the 2023 draft has been a revelation this season, tallying 4.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss during the regular season and adding two sacks in the divisional round win over the Los Angeles Rams. His presence on the interior defensive line is critical against a Chiefs offense anchored by Patrick Mahomes’ elusive playmaking. At just 23 years old, Carter will make his Super Bowl debut—a chance to avenge Philadelphia’s heartbreaking 38-35 loss to Kansas City in Super Bowl LVII.
Gainwell, the Eagles’ backup running back behind Saquon Barkley, also cleared concussion protocols and recovered from a knee issue. The 25-year-old contributed 290 rushing yards and a touchdown during the regular season, alongside 32 playoff rushing yards and three receptions. While his role is secondary to Barkley’s, Gainwell’s versatility as a pass-catcher and situational runner adds depth to an offense facing a stout Chiefs defense.
Injury concerns linger for key contributors
While Carter and Gainwell’s returns are promising, the Eagles’ injury report isn’t entirely clean. Veteran defensive end Brandon Graham (elbow) and star wideout DeVonta Smith (hamstring) remained limited in practice, casting slight uncertainty over their availability. Reserve offensive lineman Nick Gates (groin) also practiced in a limited capacity, though he hasn’t been active for a playoff game this season.
On the Chiefs’ side, the injury report saw minimal changes. Punter Matt Araiza (illness) returned to full participation after being added Thursday, while receiver Skyy Moore (abdomen) stayed limited as he eyes activation from injured reserve. Mahomes, nursing an ankle sprain since December, practiced fully, as did right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee).
Why these returns matter
Carter’s resurgence is particularly timely. His ability to disrupt the pocket could force Mahomes into hurried decisions, a weakness the Eagles exploited during their regular-season matchup. Meanwhile, Gainwell’s dual-threat skills offer quarterback Jalen Hurts another safety valve against Kansas City’s blitz-heavy schemes.
For the Eagles, health has been a recurring theme this postseason. After battling injuries to key starters like Smith and Graham, getting Carter and Gainwell back at full strength injects much-needed energy into both sides of the ball. With the Chiefs aiming for a third Super Bowl title in five years, Philadelphia’s roster depth—and resilience—will be tested.
As kickoff nears, all eyes will be on how these returning pieces mesh under the Super Bowl spotlight. For Carter and Gainwell, it’s not just a game—it’s a chance to etch their names into Philadelphia lore.
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