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Patriots-Eagles Preseason Game Opens With Frightening Injury
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- Patriots-Eagles Preseason Game Opens With Frightening Injury
Patriots-Eagles Preseason Game Opens With Frightening Injury originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The New England Patriots ' second preseason game began with a frightening scene at Gillette Stadium on Saturday night.
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Philadelphia Eagles running back Ja'Quinden Jackson was injured on the opening kickoff and eventually transported from the field in an ambulance. Medical personnel tended to Jackson while players from both teams gathered nearby, bringing the game to a halt almost immediately after it started.
NBC Sports Philadelphia's John Clark reported that Jackson was hit hard on the play . An ambulance was brought onto the field as medical personnel continued evaluating him. The Eagles later provided an encouraging update , announcing that Jackson had strength and movement in all four extremities. He was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.
That news offered some relief after an extremely unsettling opening to the Patriots' Week 2 preseason matchup.
Gillette Stadium Falls Silent After Opening Kickoff
Jackson was returning the opening kickoff when he absorbed a hard hit and remained down on the field. The tone inside Gillette Stadium quickly shifted from the excitement of kickoff to concern. Medical personnel surrounded Jackson while teammates and opponents waited for an update.
The decision to bring an ambulance onto the field demonstrated the seriousness with which the medical staffs handled the situation. Jackson was immobilized before being transported out of the stadium. Philadelphia 's announcement that he had movement and strength in his extremities was the most important update to emerge from the scene. The Eagles did not immediately provide additional information about his condition or the specific nature of the injury.
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No speculation is necessary after a moment like that. Jackson's health became the only concern as both teams waited for play to resume.
MORE: Patriots Rookie Has Golden Opportunity To Solve Growing Concern
Jackson Was Fighting For Eagles Roster Spot
Jackson entered the night attempting to make an impression in Philadelphia's crowded backfield. The 24-year-old played collegiately at Utah and Arkansas before reaching the NFL. At 6-foot-2 and approximately 230 pounds, Jackson offers the physical running style teams often value for short-yardage situations and special teams work.
Saturday's game represented an important opportunity for Jackson and other players competing for roster spots. Most established starters for both teams were expected to sit after the Patriots and Eagles held two joint practices earlier in the week. The injury served as another painful reminder of the risks players face during preseason games. Even the opening kickoff of an exhibition contest can produce a serious medical emergency.
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New England began its preseason with a 13-13 tie against the Indianapolis Colts . The Patriots returned to Gillette Stadium hoping to evaluate their depth against Philadelphia, but football became secondary before either offense took the field. The Patriots, Eagles and everyone watching now will await further updates from the hospital.
