Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter was involved in the play where Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love injured his MCL.
In the closing moments of the Eagles’ Week 1 game against the Packers, Carter was on the ground grasping Love’s left ankle while trying to bring him down, as Eagles pass rusher Josh Sweat hit Love from a higher position. Love ended up on the ground in pain and needed help from trainers to leave the field. Following the Eagles’ 34-29 win, several Green Bay fans took to social media to criticize Carter and Sweat for their roles in the hit on Love.
In response, Carter posted on Instagram, sharing a message wishing Love a speedy recovery along with screenshots of some harsh messages he received from fans. “Making a football play, wishing Jordan the best recovery!” he wrote.
Former Eagles defensive end Chris Long defended Carter, emphasizing that Carter was simply trying to make a play. “I’ve done the exact same thing,” Long wrote on X. “You hold on for dear life. He can’t see what’s happening. He’s fighting on the ground to win and get a sack. It’s chaotic down there. People can critique it frame by frame and call it dirty, but my heart hurts for Love.”
Fans also defended Carter, with one commenting, “Wait, people are calling Jalen Carter dirty for that routine tackle last night? What a bunch of losers.” Another fan added, “This is just a football play. Carter wrapped up Love’s knee for a routine tackle, and unfortunately, Sweat’s impact was coincidental. This isn’t a dirty play.”
In other news, the Green Bay Packers have added receiver T.J. Luther to their practice squad, according to Packers On SI. Luther, who went undrafted in 2023, was signed over two drafted receivers with NFL experience, Seth Williams and Racey McMath. The Packers also signed tight end Johnny Lumpkin to their practice squad, releasing receiver Jalen Wayne and running back La’Mical Perine to make room.
He was with the Steelers for training camp this year but did not record any preseason catches.
At Gardner-Webb in 2022, Luther had 55 receptions for 1,035 yards and seven touchdowns, ranking fourth in deep receptions among his draft class. He transferred from Wofford and totaled 1,419 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns over two seasons at Gardner-Webb.
Standing 5-foot-11 1/4 with a 4.50 speed and a 39-inch vertical jump, Luther earned a 5.85 Relative Athletic Score. Gardner-Webb’s then-coach Tre Lamb expressed pride in Luther’s achievements, noting that Luther is the first player from the school during his tenure to make it to the NFL.
Luther was one of nine children in his family, and he often speaks about the competitive nature of his upbringing. His mother, Virginia Luther, who passed away unexpectedly in 2019, always encouraged him to pursue a career in the NFL. “She always said I was going to be her NFL player,” Luther recalled. “I’m honoring her memory by making it to the league.”
