Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (illness) and running back Kenny Gainwell (concussion, knee) ramped up from limited participants in Wednesday’s practice to full participants on Thursday, according to the penultimate Super Bowl LIX injury report.
Carter popped up on the injury report earlier in the week with an illness that is reportedly going through the Eagles’ locker room. The Pro Bowler had 4.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in the regular season and added two sacks in the Eagles’ divisional round win over the Los Angeles Rams.
Presuming he plays, this will be the 23-year-old’s first Super Bowl. He was selected ninth overall in the 2023 draft, months after the Eagles fell to the Kansas City Chiefs 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII.
Gainwell, 25, had 75 carries for 290 yards and one touchdown in a backup role behind Saquon Barkley this season. He’s had seven carries for 32 yards through three playoff games, as well as three receptions for 26 yards.
Defensive end Brandon Graham (elbow) and wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) remained limited Thursday. Reserve offensive lineman Nick Gates, who’s yet to be active for a playoff game, was also limited by a groin issue.
The only change on the Chiefs’ side of the report was the addition of punter Matt Araiza (illness), but Araiza was a full participant in Thursday’s practice.
Receiver Skyy Moore (abdomen), who could be activated from injured reserve before the game, was limited for a second straight day. Three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes was a full participant again as he nurses an ankle that he sprained on Dec. 15 against Cleveland. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee) also practiced in full.
The final practice report, which comes with game designations for players as applicable, is due out Friday afternoon.
