Philadelphia Eagles running back Ja’Quinden Jackson was taken off the field in an ambulance after a frightening collision on the opening kickoff during a preseason game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. According to reports from the venue, the running back lay motionless following a tackle before medical personnel placed him on a stretcher and transported him for further evaluation.
Scary Scene on the Opening Kickoff in Foxborough
The incident occurred immediately as the game began, with the Eagles kicking off to the Patriots on Saturday evening. Jackson, working as part of Philadelphia’s kickoff team, moved downfield and made a tackle on New England return specialist Lan Larison. Replays and on-field observations indicated that Larison’s knee struck Jackson’s head as the defender attempted the stop. Following the impact, Jackson appeared to experience an immediate fencing response, extending both arms as he remained down on the grass.
Medical staff from the Eagles rushed to the spot immediately. Players from the Eagles sideline emptied onto the field to surround their teammate while medical professionals secured him to a stretcher. As the ambulance prepared to leave, players from both squads took a knee, and the crowd at Gillette Stadium broke into sustained applause and cheers to show support for the 24-year-old running back.
Positive Medical Updates and Negative CT Scan
Shortly after the ambulance departed, the Eagles issued an official update stating that Jackson possessed strength and movement in all extremities before heading to a local hospital. Those encouraging initial signs were later reinforced by his representation. Damien Butler of CMV Sports issued a statement confirming that Jackson was awake, had full movement and use of all four limbs, and that his CT scan returned negative results.
“Tonight, above everything else, we thank God that Ja’Quinden is doing well after what was an incredibly frightening moment,” Butler said in the statement. “I just spoke with Ja’Quinden. He is awake, has full movement and use of all four limbs, and his CT scan came back negative.” Butler also expressed gratitude toward the Philadelphia medical staff and first responders for their swift action.
Roster Journey and Collegiate Background
Jackson joined the Eagles on August 10, signing with the franchise less than two weeks before the preseason contest after his release by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He entered the National Football League in 2025 as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Arkansas, spending his rookie season on the Jacksonville practice squad without logging a regular-season carry.
His college career spanned multiple stops. Jackson started at the University of Texas in 2020 without appearing in a game before transferring to Utah, where he played three seasons and saw action in 12 games during both the 2022 and 2023 campaigns. He finished his collegiate tenure at Arkansas in 2024, rushing 149 times for 790 yards and a career-high 15 touchdowns.
Next Steps for the Eagles
With medical evaluations pointing toward a positive recovery, Jackson’s agent noted that the running back looks forward to rejoining his teammates in training camp once cleared.
