Patriots edge Eagles 24-21 in preseason as Jackson rushed to hospital
Backup quarterbacks drove the scoring in a final tune-up in Foxborough, while Eagles running back Ja’Quinden Jackson required ambulance transport after an injury on the opening kickoff.
The New England Patriots secured a 24-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in a preseason contest held in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The match served as a final preparation before the regular season, with projected starters for both clubs resting after two days of joint practices earlier in the week. Consequently, the contest featured significant contributions from backup and third-string personnel, shifting the focus from star power to depth chart evaluation.
The game’s most significant incident occurred on the opening kickoff, when Eagles running back Ja’Quinden Jackson was injured after tackling New England’s Lan Larison. Jackson was transported off the field in an ambulance for further evaluation. The Eagles subsequently announced that Jackson had strength and movement in his extremities, though the specific nature of the injury remained under assessment.
On the field, Patriots backup quarterback Tommy DeVito led the first half, completing eight of 15 passes for 151 yards while also rushing for 44 yards. His performance included a 69-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Williams. DeVito also demonstrated his mobility with a 36-yard scramble that helped set up a 41-yard field goal by Andy Borregales.
Philadelphia responded through its third-string quarterback, Tanner McKee, who threw two touchdown passes. McKee connected with Carson Steele on a 20-yard go-ahead score with 3:39 remaining in the game. Earlier, McKee had also thrown a 14-yard touchdown pass to Britain Covey. Eagles backup quarterback Andy Dalton, who played three series, went three of 10 for 44 yards.
In the closing minutes, Patriots third-stringer Behren Morton led a 73-yard drive to secure the win. The drive was capped by a 37-yard touchdown pass to Nick DeGennaro. The result provided a final test for the teams' depth before the regular season commences.
Several players left the game with injuries. Patriots offensive lineman Marcus Bryant exited on the fifth snap with an ankle injury and did not return. Linebacker Khalil Jacobs was slow to his feet after a tackle but returned to the sideline, while linebacker Chad Muma limped off in the final minute. Patriots star cornerback Christian Gonzalez did not play as he recovers from a minor injury amid ongoing contract negotiations.
