Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox was diagnosed with a concussion and a neck injury but was able to travel back to Philadelphia with the team.
The Eagles put out a statement moments before coach Doug Pederson took the podium Friday afternoon. Maddox had been taken off the field on a stretcher late in Thursday night’s 34-27 win over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
Maddox left the game with a little more than a minute left after a head-to-head collision with teammate Andrew Sendejo while trying to break up a pass in the red zone. He appeared to go limp on the ground for a moment before the Eagles’ training staff got to him but had subtle movements in his legs as they got the stretcher.
“Avonte Maddox was evaluated at the hospital last night and diagnosed with a concussion and a neck injury,” the release read. “Doctors determined he was safe to travel with the team to undergo further testing.”
The entire Eagles team came over from the sideline to show support for Maddox as he was carted off. After the game, Malcolm Jenkins told reporters that Maddox was joking around while he was being put on the stretcher. The Eagles said he had feeling and movement in his extremities, but was taken to the hospital for further testing as a precaution.
Maddox tweeted Friday morning that “everything is going well.”
Everything is going well. Appreciate the prayers and get well wishes. God is good. 🙏🏽
— Avonte Maddox (@2live_AM) September 27, 2019
Maddox was replaced by recent pickup Craig James, who two plays later made the defensive pass breakup that led to Nigel Bradham’s game-saving interception.
A fourth-round draft pick out of Pitt in 2018, Maddox had a strong rookie season, especially during the Eagles’ playoff push and in the postseason. He had a strong offseason and has become an important player in the team’s defensive backfield plans.
He was playing cornerback in relief of Sidney Jones, who went down with a hamstring injury. The Eagles are now down to Maddox, Rasul Douglas, and James at corner. The good news is the team will have an extended rest on the other side of its short week. They’re next game isn’t until Oct. 6 when they take on the New York Jets at home.
First Published: September 27, 2019, 2:31 p.m.
Updated: September 27, 2019, 6:00 p.m.