Jackson Injury Update
Eagles Running Back Ja’Quinden Jackson Hospitalized After Suffering Injury During Opening Kickoff
Key Points
During the opening kickoff, Jackson was on the Eagles' kickoff unit and laid motionless after the play; medical staff from both teams rushed to assist, a backboard was used and he was transported by ambulance, with Patriots returner Lan Larison involved in the play.
He gave a thumbs-up en route to the ambulance and was later described as maintaining full movement in all extremities, indicating no immediate catastrophic injury.
The 24-year-old was signed by the Eagles on Aug. 10 and previously spent time with the Jaguars on their practice squad after going undrafted; his path includes college stops at Texas, Utah, and Arkansas.
College production highlights include 1,358 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns over three years at Utah, 790 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024 at Arkansas, and 13 receptions for 139 yards; he began his college career at Texas before transferring to Utah.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Ja'Quinden Jackson was transported by ambulance after suffering an injury during the opening kickoff of a preseason game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. WRAL reported that Jackson gave a thumbs-up as he was being taken off the field, and subsequent updates indicated he maintained full movement in all extremities—a positive sign suggesting no immediate catastrophic injury.
The 24-year-old was signed by the Eagles on August 10 after spending time with the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice squad. Jackson played college football at Texas, Utah, and Arkansas, rushing for 1,358 yards and 14 touchdowns over three seasons at Utah before recording 790 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024 at Arkansas.
Injury Occurs on Opening Kickoff
Jackson was part of the Eagles' kickoff unit when the injury happened early in the preseason matchup. LM Online reported that medical staff from both teams rushed to assist him immediately. A backboard was used to transport him, and he was placed in an ambulance bound for a local hospital for further evaluation.
Despite the severity of the injury requiring emergency transport, Jackson showed encouraging signs. Click on Detroit noted he maintained full movement in all extremities during initial assessment, which medical professionals view as a critical indicator that catastrophic spinal or neurological damage may not have occurred.
From Undrafted Status to Eagles Roster
Jackson's path to the NFL has been unconventional. He went undrafted but earned a spot on the Jaguars' practice squad before joining Philadelphia this offseason. WSOC TV highlighted his college journey, which included stops at Texas, Utah, and Arkansas as he developed into a productive rusher.
His production at Utah was particularly strong, accumulating 1,358 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns across three seasons. At Arkansas in 2024, his final college year, Jackson rushed for 790 yards and scored 15 touchdowns. He also caught 13 passes for 139 yards, showcasing versatility as a back who could contribute in multiple offensive roles.
Teammates and Opponents Show Support
Players from both the Eagles and Patriots demonstrated concern and solidarity as Jackson was removed from the field. The incident highlighted the seriousness injuries can carry in football, even during preseason games when stakes are typically lower and rosters remain in transition.
Focus immediately shifted to Jackson's health and recovery as medical professionals took him for diagnostic evaluation. The Eagles and Patriots medical teams, along with coaching staffs, prioritized his welfare over competitive considerations. Awaiting further test results would determine the full extent of any injury sustained during the opening kickoff collision.
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