Just a few seconds into Saturday’s August 22 preseason game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots, 24-year-old special teamer Ja’Quinden Jackson went down with a scary injury.
After the opening kick, Jackson left the field in an ambulance after hitting his head.
The Eagles swiftly released a positive update on Jackson well before the first quarter concluded. After the game, Jackson’s agency followed up with a statement.
Eagles’ Ja’Quinden Jackson Gets Important Injury Update After Scare
GettyFOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 22: Members of the Philadelphia Eagles gather around their injured teammate Ja’quinden Jackson #45 during the first half of the preseason game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“Tonight, above everything else, we thank God that Ja’Quinden is doing well after what was an incredibly frightening moment. I just spoke with Ja’Quinden. He is awake, has full movement and use of all four limbs, and his CT scan came back negative,” Jackson’s agent, Damien Butler, announced.
“What happened tonight was frightening for everyone who witnessed it, and we are extremely grateful to the Philadelphia Eagles medical staff and all of the first responders who acted quickly and took great care of Ja’Quinden in those critical moments. We also sincerely appreciate all of the prayers, calls, messages and concern that have poured in for him tonight.”
Jackson is “awake, has full movement and use of all four limbs, and his CT scan came back negative.”
Butler added that Jackson looks forward to rejoining his teammates and getting back to work in training camp, whenever that may be.
Ja’Quinden Jackson’s Journey To The Eagles
GettyJACKSONVILLE, FL – MAY 09: Ja’Quinden Jackson #38 of the Jacksonville Jaguars goes through workout drills during Rookie Mini Camp at Miller Electric Center on May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
The Texas-born running back went to the NCAA in 2020. He attended Texas during his freshman year, but didn’t play.
Jackson ended up at Utah for the 2021 season, appearing in three games. He played 12 games in 2022 and started all 12 games during the 2023 season.
As a full-time starter, Jackson rushed for 797 yards and four touchdowns. Then in 2024, Jackson ended up at Arkansas, where he started 10 games, rushing for 790 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Jackson went undrafted in 2025. He was picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars before the 2025 NFL season. Jackson didn’t make the final cuts, but stuck with the Jags’ practice squad.
This summer, Jackson was fighting for a spot on the Eagles’ roster. Unfortunately, his injury scare will set him back for the time being. At this point, the team isn’t worried about his placement on the roster. Jackson’s team and representatives are just happy to see that he’s doing well after going down.