Eagles and Giants face off with depleted rosters and new starting quarterbacks

The NFL regular season is entering a critical phase where roster depth determines success more than star power. The Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants will meet on Sunday, both teams managing to field competitive units despite severe injury plagues that have reshaped their rosters since the start of the season.

The Eagles have dropped their last six contests, a streak that follows the abrupt end of Jalen Hurts' season due to blood clots in his lungs. The team also saw Lane Johnson, one of the league's premier offensive linemen, retire suddenly after Week 4. The Giants have faced similar setbacks, losing starting quarterback Jaxson Dart and edge rusher Brian Burns for the year, yet they have maintained a higher level of performance relative to their available personnel.

The Eagles currently have their top four running backs on the injured reserve list. Tank Bigsby underwent core muscle surgery in Week 4 and may return within two months. Will Shipley is out with a Lisfranc injury, and Dameon Pierce will miss at least until Week 12. The team will rely on Cam Skattebo, a player the coaching staff views with caution due to his history of fumbles.

New York's defensive losses are equally stark. Brian Burns, who led the NFL in sacks in 2025 with 16.5, tore his ACL and meniscus in Week 4. Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who has recorded at least 100 tackles in every season of his career, is out for the year with a torn chest muscle. The Giants also lost defensive ends Roy Robertson-Harris and Chauncey Golston to Achilles and neck injuries, respectively.

Quarterback play has shifted for both squads. The Eagles will start Joe Milton this Sunday, replacing Tanner McKee who took over for Hurts earlier in the season. The Giants have installed J.J. McCarthy as their starter, a move made after trading for him following Dart's knee injury in Week 2. McCarthy replaces Jameis Winston, who initially filled in before the trade.

The Eagles' injury report shows limited activity from Jalyx Hunt and Jonathan Greenard, a pattern consistent with recent weeks. Placekicker Jake Elliott appeared on the list but reported no issues during his kicking session, suggesting a minor setback during later practice drills.

The Giants' receiving corps is thin after Calvin Austin III tore his ACL before the season and Gunner Olszewski suffered an Achilles tear during organized team activities. This has forced rookie Charlie Jones into the primary return specialist role. Tyrone Tracy, who ran for 55 yards and two touchdowns in seven games, is also on injured reserve with a hamstring issue.

Both teams must navigate these gaps with their remaining personnel. The Eagles aim to force turnovers to compensate for their offensive line struggles, while the Giants rely on Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux to anchor a defense missing its best pass rusher.