The Philadelphia Eagles got the scare of a lifetime when running back Ja’Quinden Jackson was carted off the field and left the stadium via ambulance early in Saturday night’s preseason game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
By Sunday morning, Jackson’s story had already taken a turn for the better as he was able to return home to Philadelphia with his teammates.
“Eagles running back Ja’Quinden Jackson was released from the hospital and joined his teammates for their return trip Saturday night to Philadelphia,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on his official X account on Sunday morning.
Jackson was injured on the game’s opening kickoff.
“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, said in a prepared statement on Saturday night. “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.”
Outcome of Game Secondary After Injury
While the Eagles lost, 24-21, the outcome of the game was secondary after the scary opening moments with Jackson lying motionless on the turf, surrounded by medical staff.
“Jackson was injured as his head appeared to collide with Lan Larison’s leg while making a tackle on the opening kickoff,” ESPN’s Tim McManus wrote on Saturday night. “He stayed on the ground for several minutes before being stretchered into an ambulance as his concerned teammates looked on. Jackson offered a thumbs up before being driven away.”
Ja’Quinden Jackson Played for 3 Different Colleges
Jackson, 6-foot-2 and 233 pounds, played for 3 different colleges – Texas, Utah, and Arkansas. His final college season was his best. Jackson rushed for an incredible 15 touchdowns in just 10 games for the Razorbacks and earned All-SEC honors in 2024 but went undrafted.
NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein predicted Jackson would be a priority free agent in his pre-draft evaluation.
“A big back with an imposing frame, Jackson is a one-speed runner lacking burst and juice in the open field,” Zierlein wrote in 2024. “He reacts to traffic once he gets into the run but isn’t proactive enough in his early reads to set up linebackers and unlock the lane. He’s too slow getting in and out of cuts, allowing defenses to rally and tackle quickly. He plays with adequate lane choice and can add yards after contact with his size and leg drive. Jackson’s size and strength will appeal to teams but a lack of functional speed and third-down value limit his ceiling.”
Eagles Give Positive Injury Update on RB Ja’Quinden Jackson