The Philadelphia Eagles already knew that Jalen Carter and Lane Johnson were going to be out for the game. Still, now another key player that doesn't get talked about enough also won't be on the field in Week 16 against the Washington Commanders.
Just before the Commanders game, seven Eagles players were listed as inactive for the contest. One of those players was backup tight end and fullback Cameron Latu. On the final injury report for Philly, Latu was listed as questionable with a stinger despite being a full participant in the final practice.
Today's Inactives#PHIvsWAS pic.twitter.com/wiVMNRKGyy
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 20, 2025
Latu has made two starts and appeared in 13 games for the Eagles this season, mostly playing on special teams and being a fullback in the running game. He's made 10 tackles on special teams coverage this season.
Eagles won't have an underappreciate part of their offense
Some might not think much of Latu being out, but this presents an interesting problem for the Eagles' offense. This means that there will have to be another lead blocker in the running game for running back Saquon Barkley.
A potential replacement for Latu could be backup tight end Grant Calcaterra, who has been featured in multiple games as a blocking tight end. Eagles fans who have monitored that position would know that Calcaterra has struggled with his blocking and has been considered one of the worst blocking tight ends in the NFL.
Losing Carter and Johnson is rough for the Eagles, but they have been doing it for the whole month, so the Birds should be able to handle it. Moro Ojomo will replace Carter in the lineup, and Fred Johnson will step in for Lane Johnson.
Read more: These 3 critical matchups could decide Eagles' NFC East title hopes vs. Commanders
Could this be the final week that the Eagles won't have Lane Johnson and Carter playing?