The Eagles lost linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. before their defense took the field Sunday after he was ejected following a fight on the opening kickoff against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Trotter and Jacksonville’s Thomas were disqualified during a penalty-filled return that initially resulted in a touchdown. The ejection immediately removed Trotter from Philadelphia’s defensive plans for the remainder of the game.
Jake Elliott’s opening kickoff was returned 90 yards for an apparent Jacksonville touchdown, but offsetting penalties erased the score. Philadelphia was flagged for illegal formation, Jacksonville was called for offensive holding, and both teams had a player disqualified. The officials recorded the play as no play, leaving the first-quarter
clock at 15:00.
#Eagles LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and #Jaguars LB Bryan Thomas Jr. got into it at midfield on the opening kickoff — and both players have been ejected.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 11, 2026
A normal replay of what happened wasn’t shown. pic.twitter.com/v2N9fRkron
The early exit came one week after Trotter recorded 15 tackles against the Los Angeles Rams. Philadelphia now must redistribute his defensive responsibilities without getting a snap from the linebacker against Jacksonville.
What began as a potential special teams setback instead became an immediate personnel loss for the Eagles, with Trotter unavailable for Vic Fangio's defense.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles’ Jeremiah Trotter Jr. ejected after scuffle during opening-kickoff
