The Philadelphia Eagles were given great news earlier this week, with ESPN's Adam Schefter reporting that both Jalen Carter and Lane Johnson are expected back for Week 17. This is obviously huge, given the matchup being a potential Super Bowl preview with the Eagles taking on the Buffalo Bills. The impact of having Carter back in the lineup cannot be understated. Ahead of playing Josh Allen, a quarterback who consistently finds ways to keep plays alive and create with his legs. It is easy to argue that the signal caller is the best in the league at his position.
This paints a picture as to why having Carter back is so impactful. However, the return of the star defender is bad news for Philly defensive tackle Ty Robinson. The rookie has already endured a difficult season, being benched from Weeks 9 through 13 with the Eagles having better options. This changed when Carter was out, with Philly forced to give Robinson snaps in relief of their starters.
Something appears destined to change with Byron Young making the most of his surprise chance in the lineup. Young had a sack and six quarterback hits during Carter's absence, cementing his place in Philly's defensive rotation. For a unit that has an incredible starting duo, there aren't enough snaps to go around to keep the rookie in the starting lineup.
Eagles Rookie Ty Robinson Clearly Falls Out of Rotation After Return of Star Defender Jalen Carter
Any snaps that Jordan Davis and Carter aren't on the field are going to be handed to Young. The Eagles have no reason to keep the rookie in the lineup based on his level of play, as well as having superior options. This will only change if Philly suffers another injury at the position and opens up possible snaps for the rookie.
For Robinson, this isn't the end of the road by any stretch. With his rookie contract keeping him on the books through 2028, and the talented defense around him, the door is open for a future role. However, it seems that with Philadelphia flipping the switch into playoff mode, there won't be many other chances for Robinson this season.
While this is unfortunate from the rookie's perspective, this speaks to the incredible depth of Philly's defensive line and why the team continues to have a puncher's chance against any playoff matchup. Having such a dominant defensive presence on the inside provides the Eagles a consistent path to winning, no matter the opponent.
This illustrates just how difficult a road Robinson has to fight his way back into Philly's rotation and why the door has closed for this year. The Eagles will close out the 2025 season facing the Bills and Washington Commanders in two games that have limited meaning, as the franchise has clinched the NFC East title.