DeSean Jackson's return looked promising.
The Philadelphia Eagles receiver was involved early, taking the first snap from scrimmage in Thursday night's 22-21 win over the New York Giants for a 12-yard run. Jackson caught three of five targets for 34 yards on 38 offensive plays (53 percent), as the Eagles monitored his snaps.
The positivity was swiftly wiped away.
Trailing 21-16 near with the two-minute warning approaching, the Eagles sent Jackson out for his first punt return, hoping the dynamic playmaker could provide a spark. Instead, the Giants' Corey Ballentine hit him illegally, and Jackson's leg got twisted underneath his body.
Jackson posted on his Instagram page a picture of himself leaving Thursday's game in a walking boot.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that an MRI confirmed Jackson suffered an ankle injury, per a source informed of the situation. Philly will place DJax on injured reserve, Rapoport added.
The ankle injury will keep him out for several weeks.
It's awful news for an Eagles team hoping to get healthy as it overtook the Dallas Cowboys for the NFC East lead.
Jackson rejoins Dallas Goedert, Zach Ertz and Alshon Jeffery as Eagles pass-catchers currently out with injury.
An MRI confirmed right tackle Lane Johnson suffered a grade 1 MCL sprain and shouldn't miss much time, Rapoport reported, per a source. He's also been battling with an ankle injury and would benefit from time off the field so they both can heal, Rapoport added.
