The Philadelphia Eagles are only one week into the 2025 NFL season, and yet it already feels like they’ve lived through a month’s worth of drama.

From the league’s bizarre indecision over Jalen Carter’s suspension to Howie Roseman’s roster shuffling at cornerback and edge rusher, the Eagles are balancing chaos with opportunity. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs — their Week 2 opponent — just lost their most dynamic receiver. Add in AJ Brown’s puzzling lack of targets and a potential secondary shake-up, and the picture in Philadelphia is as complicated as it is intriguing.

The Jalen Carter Saga: NFL Sends Mixed Messages

The dominant storyline of the week is the NFL’s handling of defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who remains under review for a postgame altercation. Four days have passed without a verdict, and frustration is boiling over.

On Saturday, USA Today reported that a league official told them Carter would not face suspension. Just 48 hours later, ESPN’s Adam Schefter claimed the NFL was strongly considering discipline due to its “heightened emphasis” on unsportsmanlike conduct. The mixed signals have left the Eagles — and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio — in limbo as they prepare for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.

The delay feels punitive in itself. While the NFL wasted no time handing a lifetime stadium ban to the Bills fan who shoved Lamar Jackson, Carter’s case drags on. Some fans openly wonder if the league is protecting Kansas City from a dreaded 0–2 start by keeping Philly’s best pass rusher off the field.

Head coach Nick Sirianni would not comment on internal discipline, stating only that “all conversations will be kept private.” For now, Carter’s availability remains a coin flip — one that could dramatically swing Sunday night’s outcome.

Chiefs Lose Xavier Worthy: Huge Break for Philly

While Philly’s defensive outlook is unsettled, Kansas City’s offensive firepower just took a major hit. Rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy — the Chiefs’ top deep threat — suffered a dislocated shoulder in Week 1 and is expected to miss at least three games.

That absence is massive. Worthy’s speed was supposed to stretch defenses and open up the middle of the field for Travis Kelce. Without him, Mahomes will lean on Hollywood Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster — a far less intimidating duo.

For a Philadelphia secondary that struggled against CeeDee Lamb and the Cowboys in the opener, Worthy’s absence is a gift. The timing couldn’t be better for a group searching for answers.

The Adoree Jackson Problem and Howie’s Next Move

One of those “answers” may involve replacing Adoree Jackson, who had a nightmare debut in midnight green. Targeted seven times by Dallas, Jackson surrendered five catches for 103 yards and five first downs. His Pro Football Focus grade of 33.6 was among the lowest of any cornerback in Week 1.

Howie Roseman is not known for patience. The Eagles reportedly worked out veteran nickel corner Mike Hilton, formerly of the Bengals. Hilton’s resume is impressive — 13 interceptions, 4,000 snaps in the slot — but his availability raises questions. Still, if Roseman signs him, it could mean rookie star Cooper DeJean shifts outside, where his physicality may shine.

Philadelphia has other fallback options, including Jacorian Bennett, though the team clearly wants to patch the hole quickly before Mahomes takes aim.

Howie Roseman Strikes Again: Z’Darius Smith Signed

As if cornerback wasn’t enough, Roseman also bolstered the pass rush. The Eagles signed veteran Z’Darius Smith to a one-year, incentive-laden deal worth up to $9 million.

Smith, 32, logged nine sacks in 2024 between stints in Cleveland and Detroit. He ranked 14th in pass-rush win rate and remains a savvy, disruptive force on the edge. For Fangio, who already has young standouts like Josh Uche and Jalen Hunt, Smith offers both leadership and production.

“Excited about what Z’Darius brings,” Sirianni said. “He adds to a very deep room where we already feel confident.”

The AJ Brown Controversy

No storyline ignited more fan debate than AJ Brown’s one-catch night against Dallas. In an offense built around Brown and DeVonta Smith, the lack of targets felt alarming.

Brown wasn’t silent by choice — film showed Jalen Hurts looked his way but found other options when coverages dictated. Still, critics pounced, accusing Philly of underutilizing one of the league’s premier wideouts.

Perspective helps. Other elite receivers struggled too: Ja’Marr Chase caught two passes, Tee Higgins had three, and DJ Moore managed just four. Offensive timing is shaky across the league in Week 1, and Brown historically bounces back with monster performances after quiet outings. Don’t be surprised if he torches Kansas City for 100-plus yards this Sunday.

Dotson’s Breakout

One bright spot from Week 1 was Jahan Dotson, who led the team in receiving yards and made the game’s biggest play — a 50-yard bomb from Hurts late in the first half. Analysts praised his blocking and effort as much as his catches, calling him the “X-factor” in Philadelphia’s revamped passing attack.

Dotson’s emergence could take pressure off Brown and Smith, giving Hurts another reliable option as defenses key on Philly’s top duo.

The Bigger Picture

Lost in the noise is a simple fact: the Eagles are 1–0. They beat Dallas, their primary NFC East rival, and remain positioned as conference favorites after a shaky opening weekend across the NFC.

The Giants failed to score a touchdown.
Washington looked average.
San Francisco survived but showed vulnerability.
Detroit stumbled badly.

If Philadelphia can weather the Carter uncertainty and integrate Smith effectively, their roster may be deeper and more dangerous than it was a week ago.

Conclusion

The Eagles’ first week has been a whirlwind: Carter’s suspension limbo, Jackson’s struggles, Hilton workouts, Smith’s signing, AJ Brown scrutiny, and even Chiefs injuries all swirling together.

Yet in typical Howie Roseman fashion, Philadelphia appears to be navigating the chaos better than most. Whether by design or luck, the Eagles may have emerged from Week 1 not just intact, but stronger.

The NFL’s verdict on Carter could tilt the scales, but make no mistake: Philadelphia is already circling Sunday night’s showdown in Kansas City. And if history is any guide, Roseman isn’t finished reshaping the roster.