NFL Season Kicks Off with Chaos in London: Touchdown Nullified, Players Ejected
The Jacksonville Jaguars' opening kickoff return touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles was overturned, and two players were ejected on the first play of the game in London.
The NFL's international series opener in London was marked by immediate controversy, as the Jacksonville Jaguars' potential season-first kickoff return touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles was nullified. The play also resulted in the ejection of two players.
On the opening kickoff, Eagles kicker Jake Elliott's 55-yard attempt was returned 90 yards by Jaguars' Josh Cameron for what appeared to be the first kickoff return touchdown of the NFL season. However, multiple penalties flagrant enough to prompt officials to throw their caps led to the touchdown being overturned.
The Eagles were flagged for an illegal formation, and the Jaguars were called for holding. Compounding the unusual start, Jaguars linebacker Branson Combs and Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. were flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after an altercation during the play. Trotter Jr. reportedly slammed Thomas to the turf after the play concluded, and Thomas responded by kicking up at Trotter while on the ground. Both players were disqualified for the remainder of the game, a significant penalty as Trotter Jr. was expected to see time with the starting defense, while Thomas was primarily a special teams player.
The Eagles' subsequent possession also ended without points when they failed to convert a fourth-and-1. Notably, the team opted against using their signature "Tush Push" formation, lining up in shotgun and running the ball instead. This decision came amid offensive line challenges for the Eagles, including the absence of starting center Drew Kendall, the recent trade of left guard Cam Jurgens, and the retirement of right tackle Lane Johnson. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has also been managing a calf injury.