Philadelphia Eagles running back Ja’Quinden Jackson was released from the hospital Saturday night and accompanied the team back to Philadelphia after sustaining an injury during the opening kickoff of a preseason game. The incident occurred during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Jackson lay motionless on the field after making a tackle on the Patriots’ Lan Larison. Trainers and medical personnel immediately attended to him, and an ambulance was called to the field. As Jackson was being loaded onto a stretcher, he was seen raising his left arm, indicating movement.
His agent, Damien Butler, confirmed that Jackson had movement and strength in all of his extremities. A CT scan returned negative results, and the 24-year-old running back was described as “awake and alert.”
“Tonight, above all else, we thank God that Ja’Quinden is doing well following an incredibly frightening moment during the game,” Butler said in a statement. “We are extremely grateful to the Philadelphia Eagles’ medical staff and the first responders whose swift actions and exceptional care supported Ja’Quinden during this critical moment.”
Quarterback Tanner McKee expressed the team's concern, stating, “A lot of different emotions just praying and hoping that he’s OK. Word was going around that he was talking, he was responsive and moving. That kind of got everybody to settle down a little bit and we know our teammate is doing OK.”
Jackson was signed by the Eagles on August 10. He spent the previous season on the Jaguars’ practice squad.