LONDON — The Jacksonville Jaguars seized an early lead over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, capitalizing on a long touchdown pass during a Week 5 international matchup marked by early ejections and a reshuffled Philadelphia lineup.
Jacksonville went ahead 7-0 with 5:26 remaining in the first quarter when quarterback Trevor Lawrence connected with Parker Washington on a 51-yard touchdown reception, Delaware Online reported. The score came after an eventful opening sequence that began with immediate disciplinary action on the field.
Chaotic start and ejections
The game opened with an apparent kickoff return touchdown that was quickly wiped away by penalties, according to Delaware Online. Officials ejected both Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter and Jaguars defensive end Bryan Thomas following the play, forcing Jacksonville to begin its initial possession from its own 26-yard line.
That first drive quickly unraveled for Jacksonville after a holding call, a sack, and a delay-of-game penalty left the offense facing a second-and-40 situation before the team ultimately punted, Delaware Online reported. However, Lawrence and the offense rebounded on their second drive with the scoring strike to Washington.
Despite the game being an official home fixture for the Jaguars, the stands were heavily tilted toward Philadelphia. Fans of the Eagles made up an estimated 80 to 90 percent of the stadium, greeting Philadelphia with loud cheers during warmups while directing boos at Jacksonville, according to Delaware Online.
Eagles manage roster turmoil and injuries
Philadelphia entered Sunday’s game dealing with significant roster changes and health issues following two consecutive losses, The Sporting News reported. Star running back Saquon Barkley did not make the trip to London while recovering from a hamstring injury, and wide receiver DeVonta Smith was also ruled out with an injury, according to Delaware Online.
Other inactive players for Philadelphia included safety Marcus Epps, center Drew Kendall, wide receiver Hollywood Brown, and outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard, who was deactivated after testing an injury during pregame warmups. The team was also navigating the departure of right tackle Lane Johnson, who decided to retire on Oct. 6. The Eagles kept Johnson on the 53-man roster to avoid accelerating a $42 million salary cap hit entirely into the current season, an approach that allows the team to spread the financial impact across 2027 and 2028 if his retirement becomes official after June 1, Delaware Online reported.
The offensive front also saw adjustments after center and guard Cam Jurgens was traded to the Baltimore Ravens. With Kendall sidelined, Jake Majors was promoted from the practice squad to start at center, while Willie Lampkin slotted in at left guard, according to Delaware Online. Philadelphia also used its third and final practice-squad elevation on tight end Zach Ertz, giving the team four active tight ends on the game-day roster alongside Dallas Goedert, Johnny Mundt, and E.J. Jenkins.
Looking ahead
Jacksonville entered the contest with a 3-1 record under coach Liam Cohen, Delaware Online reported, aiming to cement its standing in the AFC during a two-game series in the United Kingdom. Philadelphia, meanwhile, sought to halt a two-game slide before heading back to the United States. Following the London game, the Eagles are scheduled to host the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 18.
