Patriots can't escape the injury bug in preseason game vs. Eagles

August 8, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA;  New England Patriots wide receiver JaQuae Jackson (82) scores a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
August 8, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver JaQuae Jackson (82) scores a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
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Injuries across the league have dominated NFL news over the past week, with several players leaving the practice field or preseason games with serious injuries. One of the most noteworthy of all was rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy, who the Patriots had previously been interested in before selecting Drake Maye.

Fortunately, the Patriots have mostly escaped the injury bug this offseason, but that changed in the team's preseason game against the Eagles on Thursday night.

Unfortunately, wide receiver JaQuae Jackson suffered a noncontact knee/leg injury in the fourth quarter and was eventually carted to the locker room for further evaluation.

He was then almost immediately ruled out for the remainder of the game, which typically indicates how serious the injury appears to be.

It's always heartbreaking to see a player be injured at any point during the season, but especially when the player has had a standout training camp and preseason in hopes of impressing enough to make the 2024 roster.

That's the path Jackson was on leading into this game, but based on what appears to be a severe injury (which we won't know the details of until the next few days), it's fair to assume his season is over before it could even begin.

Hopefully, as the preseason wraps up next week with the Patriots visiting the Commanders, there won't be any more injuries, especially to the offense. While all injuries are not good (of course), New England's offense is questionable as it is, and losing any other potential weapons would be devastating on a multitude of levels.

As more details regarding Jackson's status become available, this article will be updated accordingly.

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