Multiple players for the Philadelphia Eagles, including Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jalen Carter, have reportedly been hit with the flu or flu-like symptoms just three days before Super Bowl LIX.
Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson tells the Philadelphia Inquirer that four or five players are battling a brutal illness.
Carter was reportedly missing from practice on Wednesday, though he was later upgraded to a full practice participant by Thursday.
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio says that “he hopes” Carter – a key component of Philadelphia’s pass rush – will be good to go by the time the Super Bowl rolls around on Sunday.
In addition to Carter, others missing media sessions or practice time include Eagles rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, and second-year linebacker Nolan Smith. Others referenced by Johnson appear to have not been ailing to the point where they would be listed on the injury list.
Eagles Battling The Flu
In total, including the flu issues, the Philadelphia Eagles listed eleven players on their injury list. The Chiefs have just four, one of which is punter Matt Araiza.
Araiza is listed as having an “illness” but was a full practice participant.
No doubt, if the Chiefs were coming down with the flu, Commissioner Roger Goodell would be making a pot of chicken noodle soup while the NFL referees would spoon-feed the players while placing a cold compress upon their tender little foreheads.
Some Eagles officials have reportedly been wearing masks to prevent the spread of the illness in the lead-up to the game.
Through it all, however, it appears Philadelphia will have a full roster for Sunday’s big game. Players will continue to be monitored as kickoff approaches.
Multiple Eagles players are battling the flu or a flu-related illness before the Super Bowl https://t.co/Og9A5GDAWv
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) February 7, 2025
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How Will This Affect The Game?
Super Bowl LIX is happening this Sunday at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. It’s not exactly a highly anticipated rematch, two years after the Chiefs narrowly defeated the Eagles 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII.
Kansas City is aiming for a historic three-peat.
However, the flu could end up being a significant factor. Particularly with key contributors like Carter, whose ability to disrupt the Chiefs’ offensive line is crucial.
If the affected players are not at full strength, it could weaken the Eagles’ pass rush and overall defensive effectiveness, potentially giving quarterback Patrick Mahomes more time to operate.
Although, on the plus side, a lack of a pass rush makes it less likely for the officials to throw a flag at Eagles players for unnecessary roughness. Then again, you don’t actually have to touch Mahomes for the refs to make that call.
Just ask the Houston Texans.
With the Chiefs being mere 1.5-point favorites, we suspect a lot of bettors are going to be sick by the time this thing is over.
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