The Reinforcements

PHILADELPHIA – The absence, for however long, of Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter creates an understated ripple effect at interior defensive line.

For perspective, Moro Ojomo and Jordan Davis, now in line for headlining roles, have already far exceeded their respective snap shares from last season. Both players, dominant at times this season, will be now required to anchor the position in the interim, with Carter mending from a recent procedure on his shoulders and deemed week-to-week.

They’ll need some help.

The proverbial call to the bullpen beckons Byron Young and Ty Robinson, a pair of sparsely utilized reserve linemen, to the forefront. And for the room to ably navigate uncharted waters, their contributions will be essential.

“It’s just next man up,” Young said. “That’s what we always prepare for, is whoever is gonna be ready to play, we prepare. Everybody’s been playing so far this year. We don’t expect any drop-off. [Carter’s] a great player and we’ll miss him out there and we’re better when he’s on the field, but the mentality is always next man up.”

GETTY IMAGES: Eagles DT Ty Robinson (95) should be a part of the DT rotation vs. Chargers, helping Jordan Davis (90).

Young is the next man up. The third-year pro has given the Eagles quality snaps as the team’s fourth interior linemen, including a season-high 38 in the team’s 24-15 loss on Black Friday to the Bears. Young himself has bested his previous snap total, as 193 of his 292 career snaps have come this season.

But those in Young’s position on the pecking order, at least in Philadelphia, prepare like starters, primed and ready when needed.

“I’m always ready for whenever my name is called,” he said. “Regardless of if I play five snaps or I play 50 … I’m ready to go.”

Young cited Carter’s “feel for the game” and confidence to trust what he sees as intangibles he’s picked up from being around the 2024 All-Pro. He’ll have more of an opportunity to showcase that Monday night in Los Angeles. He ended the conversation by highlighting the importance of being sound and physical and “setting the standard for where we wanna be for the rest of the season.”

As for Robinson, the Eagles’ fourth-round rookie, his contributions have been minimal, appearing in six games and accounting for 35 snaps, 19 of which were logged in one game. The Nebraska product is an intriguing wild card to this equation, a college standout with unique dimensions for the position. His limited usage is product of a crowded room and the learning curve that typically accompanies rookies.

The surge toward playing time has surprisingly been a slow burn for Robinson, who played in 60 games for the Cornhuskers. As a rookie, he’s largely viewed the game through a different lens, maximizing the value of mental reps. It’s a stark contrast to what he’s always known, though that isn’t to say Robinson wasn’t prepared for it.

“It’s definitely a strange feeling,” he acknowledged. “But I’m humble about it. I understood when I came here that I was gonna be around a bunch of dudes. So, I knew that I was gonna have to work even harder to have this opportunity to get on the field. Obviously, the Eagles believe in me and being able to do that, so I just have to do the same thing.”

Like Young, Robinson is taking everything in stride, sure to remain present and resist the notion of making the sudden call to arms more than it is. The 24-year-old grinded all season on the scout team, miring among a contingent of unsung heroes tasked with serving the starters, approaching each rep with diligence and urgency.

And so, Ojomo and Davis will have some assistance, even if many on the outside are unfamiliar with their games. Young and Robinson are hungry and eager to embrace their opportunity, committed to help the Eagles in any way necessary. And for the Eagles to slow a Chargers offense loaded with firepower and potentially leaning on a dynamic ground game to support a banged-up Justin Herbert, it’s going to take everyone.

“They have a strong group up front,” Robinson said. “The have a really awesome, athletic quarterback. Same with the running backs, as well. So, it’s gonna be a fun game come Monday night.”

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com