Jaguars and Eagles Lose Players After Nullified Kickoff Return

A chaotic opening kickoff set the tone for the Jacksonville Jaguars' matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Josh Cameron returned the opening kick 90 yards for a touchdown, but penalties erased the score and led to the ejection of one player from each team. According to the game's officiating decisions, Philadelphia was penalized for an illegal formation, while Jacksonville linebacker Branson Combs was called for holding.

The penalties nullified what would have been the NFL's first kickoff return touchdown of the season. The same play also resulted in the disqualification of Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Jaguars linebacker Bryan Thomas Jr. Both players received unsportsmanlike conduct penalties following a confrontation that continued after the play ended.

Officials threw multiple flags during the kickoff return, with two also throwing their caps after identifying additional fouls. It took several minutes for the officials to clarify the penalties and announce the resulting decisions.

During the play, Trotter and Thomas engaged in a blocking exchange that continued toward midfield. After the whistle, Trotter slammed Thomas to the turf, and Thomas kicked upward toward Trotter while lying on his back. Both linebackers were ejected despite the play being nullified. The disciplinary decisions had a different impact on the teams because Trotter was expected to contribute to Philadelphia's starting defense, while Thomas primarily played on special teams.

The opening sequence was not the only unusual decision involving Philadelphia. On the Eagles' first possession, the team attempted to convert a fourth-and-1 situation without using the Tush Push, the short-yardage play associated with its offense. Instead, Philadelphia lined up in shotgun formation and ran the ball, but the attempt failed. The decision came as the Eagles dealt with several offensive-line concerns and uncertainty surrounding quarterback Jalen Hurts' calf injury.

Hurts had been managing the injury in the period leading up to the game, according to the source report. Philadelphia also entered the matchup without starting center Drew Kendall, while the team had traded left guard Cam Jurgens to the Baltimore Ravens the previous week. Right tackle Lane Johnson had also retired, leaving the Eagles with additional changes along the offensive line. Those personnel issues formed the backdrop to Philadelphia's unsuccessful fourth-and-1 attempt during its opening possession.