Tim Jernigan will not return for the Eagles against Washington

Early in the second quarter in Monday night’s Eagles game against Washington, defensive tackles Timmy Jernigan was sidelined due to back spasms. He was questionable to return, but was ultimately ruled out near the end of the third quarter.

Jernigan had just returned to the field after being sidelined with (what was designated) a non-football injury through the entire offseason and better part of the 2018 season. The team was clear they didn’t want to rush his return to the field, but finally, in Week 12 against the Giants, he was back.

Eagles’ defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said that Jernigan was on a pitch count while they eased him back into the rotation, but he was in on 20 snaps (32%). Schwartz credited the DT, and being able to rotate his lineman because of Jernigan’s return, as part of the reason for the team’s second-half push against New York.

Throughout the first half of the season, Schwartz commented on the energy Jernigan brings to the defense and was excited to first get him back at practice, and then to get him back in the lineup. He’s a veteran this coaching staff wants to keep available and involved.

Jernigan wouldn’t comment on the nature of his injury for “safety reasons”, but just noted that he wasn’t even sure at one point if he’d return to football, so getting back last week was a big moment for him.

“One day, when this thing is over with or I’m wrapping it up, I’ll get more in detail with everything. But I’m lucky to play football again,” Jernigan said, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Hopefully the Eagles’ defender will be back sooner rather than later.