A frightening scene unfolded on the opening kickoff of the Philadelphia Eagles’ preseason game against the New England Patriots when running back Ja’Quinden Jackson took an apparent knee to the head and remained on the field.
Medical personnel immediately attended to Jackson as players and coaches watched from the sideline. An ambulance was brought onto the field, and Jackson was placed on a stretcher before being loaded inside. The entire Eagles sideline came onto the field to support Jackson before he was transported from the playing surface. Players gathered around their teammate during the extended stoppage, creating a somber scene only moments after the game began.
There was no immediate announcement regarding Jackson’s condition or the extent
of his injury. The Eagles are expected to provide an update after he undergoes further evaluation.
Ja’Quinden Jackson is the injured #Eagles player receiving full medical attention from both teams. Ambulance is coming out onto the field.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) August 22, 2026
Philadelphia signed Jackson on Aug. 10 to add depth to a crowded running back room. The 6-foot-2, 233-pound back entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2025 after playing at Texas, Utah and Arkansas. He spent his rookie season with the Jacksonville Jaguars before joining the Eagles during training camp.
Jackson was competing for a reserve role behind Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley. His ability to contribute on special teams represented an important part of his roster opportunity. Those roster concerns became secondary Saturday night as Philadelphia’s players gathered around Jackson. The organization’s immediate focus will be on his condition following a scary opening play at Gillette Stadium.
UPDATE
Eagles RB Ja’Quinden Jackson has strength and movement in all extremities and is being taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 22, 2026
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Ja’Quinden Jackson has movement in all extremities after scary injury
