The MetLife Stadium turf reportedly played a part in Jalen Carter’s decision not to play in Thursday’s game against the Giants. 

During the pregame show on Prime Video, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that it was his “understanding” that “the turf at MetLife Stadium played a part” in Carter’s decision to sit out of the NFC East matchup. 

Carter was dealing with a heel injury leading up to the game and was put on the Eagles’ injury report on Wednesday as a limited participant.

The Eagles’ defensive end had already been playing through a shoulder injury this season, and the heel added a new wrinkle to things. 

Carter traveled to New Jersey with the Eagles, but did not take part in warmups ahead of the game. 

He was seen coming out onto the field and speaking with his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, before going over to talk with head coach Nick Sirianni and general manager Howie Roseman. 

He then proceeded to walk back toward the tunnel to the Eagles’ locker room. 

But the report about the turf at MetLife is something of note, considering the perception of the playing surface around the league. 

Players and outside observers have noted the number of serious injuries that have occurred on the turf there over the years, and it has been criticized in the past. 

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Recently, NFL receiver and former Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. tore into the turf on social media after Malik Nabers suffered an ACL injury during Big Blue’s Week 4 win over the Chargers. 

“Respect and u kno I loveeeee the giants, but DeathLife has taken too many talented players away from the game. I kno it’s not ALL the turfs fault but at least maybe it to where we’ve gotten all research done to if TURF has to stay it’s at the HIGHEST of quality possible. At least can we start the discussion,” he wrote in an X post. 

While the perception of its unsafeness has remained, league injury data shows MetLife Stadium turf to be on the safer end of the spectrum. 

The old turf, which had been criticized by the players, was taken out in 2023 and replaced. 

MetLife was ninth best in lower-extremity injuries in 2024, and it was the safest playing surface for visiting players, The Athletic reported.