Promising Eagles safety in a boot after being carted off field vs. Bengals

Philadelphia Eagles safety Andre’ Sam suffered a leg injury during the third quarter of Friday night’s preseason finale against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lincoln Financial Field. Sam was unable to put pressure on the leg and was taken off the field by cart. He gave the crowd a thumbs-up while being taken into the locker room.

The injury came during a tackle on Bengals running back Kentrel Bullock, who gained six yards on a run up the middle to the Cincinnati 26-yard line. The setback ended what had been Sam’s most productive performance of the preseason.

Sam made several impact plays against the Bengals, forcing one fumble and recovering two others. One recovery came late in the second quarter after rookie linebacker Deontae Lawson stripped running back Gary Brightwell. Sam then recovered Tahj Brooks’ fumble on the opening kickoff of the second half at Cincinnati’s 37-yard line. He also recorded seven tackles through Philadelphia’s first two preseason games.

Those plays were particularly meaningful because Sam entered the finale competing for one of the final places on the Eagles’ 53-man roster. His familiarity with Vic Fangio’s defense and contributions on special teams had given him a chance to compete for a backup safety position. Philadelphia had also recently released veteran safety JT Gray, creating another opportunity in the competition.

The Eagles signed Sam as an undrafted free agent out of LSU in 2024. The 27-year-old has spent most of his first two NFL seasons on Philadelphia’s practice squad, while receiving limited opportunities during the regular season. He had also performed well during training camp, including the Eagles’ joint practices against the New England Patriots.

Sam’s successful summer had helped him remain in the roster conversation despite being considered a long shot. His performance against the Bengals strengthened that case before the injury interrupted his night.

Philadelphia will now need to determine Sam’s medical status through further testing. Depending on the severity, his options could include returning to the Eagles’ practice squad or being placed on injured reserve if the injury proves season-ending.

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