Teams moved quickly through a busy preseason injury slate Saturday, with several players ruled out, placed on injured reserve or evaluated after game injuries. The most encouraging update came from Philadelphia, where running back Ja’Quinden Jackson rejoined the Eagles after being hospitalized following an opening-kickoff injury against New England.
Headline: NFL injury report: Ja’Quinden Jackson returns to Eagles as preseason absences mount
SEO Title: NFL injury report: Ja’Quinden Jackson back with Eagles after hospital evaluation
SEO Description: Saturday’s NFL injury and roster updates include Ja’Quinden Jackson’s return to the Eagles, Blake Gillikin’s planned MRI, injured reserve moves and preseason game absences.
Injury status roundup
- P Blake Gillikin suffered a groin injury before his game and is scheduled for an MRI on Sunday, coach Mike LaFleur said.
- QB Michael Penix Jr. has been cleared to resume 11-on-11 drills, coach Kevin Stefanski said.
- LB Jamon Johnson, dealing with a thumb injury, did not play against the Vikings on Saturday.
- LB Nephi Sewell was taken off the field on a cart after an apparent leg injury against Cincinnati.
- WR Isaiah Bond underwent a concussion evaluation during the game against Buffalo.
- OL Michael Niese was carted off against Washington with an apparent injury. He later left the locker room on crutches.
- LB K.C. Ossai was placed on injured reserve.
- LB Wade Woodaz has a broken thumb, coach DeMeco Ryans said.
- DE Tyreke Smith was ruled out against Tampa Bay because of a hamstring injury.
- S Alohi Gilman was unavailable for Saturday’s preseason game with a back injury.
- CB Chigozie Anusiem was moved to injured reserve.
- OT Rashawn Slater returned to Chargers practice on a limited basis. He had missed several practices with an undisclosed issue after missing the 2025 season because of a knee injury.
- LB Daniel Rickert was ruled out against New Orleans with a knee injury.
- LB Keir Thomas was sidelined Saturday by a groin injury.
- RB Ja’Quinden Jackson returned to the Eagles and traveled back to Philadelphia after being transported to a hospital for evaluation following an injury against the Patriots.
- WR De’Zhaun Stribling is considered day to day with a shoulder injury.
- CB Deommodore Lenoir is also day to day because of a shoulder issue.
- WR Jake Bobo was placed on injured reserve after suffering what coach Mike Macdonald called a serious knee injury in Friday’s practice.
Jackson was hurt while making a tackle on the opening kickoff against New England. Medical personnel attended to him on the field before he was placed on a stretcher and taken away by ambulance. The Eagles had earlier said he retained strength and movement in all four extremities.
Roster moves and league notes
Wide receiver Mario Williams was waived from injured reserve with an injury settlement. Defensive end Mason Reiger also left injured reserve through an injury settlement.
Cornerback Jai’Onte McMillan was awarded on waivers after previously being with the Colts. Defensive tackle James Ester returned to injured reserve after he was waived with an injury designation. Defensive lineman Xavier Thomas was waived with an injury designation.
Tight end Khalil Dinkins agreed to a new three-year contract. Wide receiver Julian Hicks was also signed. Cornerback Nick McCloud was included in a roster-cut update, though no additional transaction detail was provided.
Baltimore will wear a helmet decal throughout the 2026 season in memory of O.J. Brigance, who died this week at 56. Brigance won a Super Bowl with the Ravens before later battling ALS.
Week ahead
Gillikin’s Sunday MRI will determine the next step after his pregame groin injury. Penix’s return to full-team 11-on-11 work and Slater’s limited participation at Chargers practice are notable practice developments as teams continue their preseason preparations.
