Eagles star Ja'Quinden Jackson discharged the hospital following hard hit suffered against Patriots

The Philadelphia Eagles received a major scare during their preseason matchup against the New England Patriots when running back Ja’Quinden Jackson was taken from the field in an ambulance following a violent collision on the opening kickoff.

Hours later, the team and Jackson ’s representatives provided a much more encouraging update. Jackson was injured while covering the kickoff and making a tackle on Patriots returner Lan Larison .

After the play ended, the 24-year-old running back remained motionless on the field, prompting medical staff from both teams to rush over as players from both sidelines gathered in concern.

The Eagles announced that Jackson had movement and strength in all four extremities before he was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. His agent, Damien Butler , later confirmed that Jackson was awake, alert and had received positive medical results.

“Ja’Quinden is awake, has full movement and use of all four limbs, and his CT scan came back negative,” 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.”

Jackson was later released from the hospital and returned to Philadelphia with the Eagles .

Eagles teammates relieved after frightening scene

The emotional reaction from players highlighted how serious the moment appeared on the field. Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee said the team was immediately concerned after seeing Jackson remain down following the tackle.

“A lot of different emotions just praying and hoping that he’s OK,” McKee said. “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.”

Head coach Nick Sirianni also admitted that watching the injury unfold was difficult for everyone involved.

“That’s always rough to see that,” Sirianni said. “I know our guys care about each other and so that’s tough. That’s tough… I’m glad he’s doing OK.”

Jackson ’s injury occurred less than a minute into the preseason contest, briefly stopping the game as medical personnel worked with him. He was placed on a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance, but he was seen raising his left arm as he was taken away from the field.

Jackson fighting for roster spot

The injury came at a crucial time for Jackson , who signed with Philadelphia earlier this month after spending the 2025 season on the Jacksonville Jaguars ’ practice squad.

The former Arkansas standout entered training camp competing for a place in a crowded Eagles running back room that includes Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, Dameon Pierce, Will Shipley and Carson Steele .

Jackson went undrafted in 2025 after rushing for 790 yards and 15 touchdowns during his final college season at Arkansas. His performances earned him second-team All-SEC honors before he began his NFL journey.

The Eagles ultimately lost the preseason game 24-21 to New England, but the biggest takeaway came away from the scoreboard. Jackson ’s positive health update provided relief to a team that feared the worst after a terrifying opening play.