Eagles veteran suffers injury that ends his season – and perhaps his career

Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham is 36 years old and has played 206 games in his career, but he didn’t look like an aging star during a strong performance in Sunday night’s 37-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams.

Graham had two tackles and a sack and led a defensive front that continually harassed Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford while sacking him five times. Graham has 3.5 sacks this season, his 15th with the Eagles. He was also strong against the run on Sunday evening.

But in the fourth quarter, Graham was treated by trainers, who looked at his elbow after a Rams running back chip blocked Graham as he rushed the passer. Before Graham was ruled out of the game, there were several players, including a quarterback Jalen hurtsapproached him and said a few words before Graham was taken to the dressing room – a sign that the injury was serious.

Graham left the game with a torn triceps, likely ending his season and his storied career, including a strip sack of Tom Brady that produced the Eagles’ only Super Bowl victory.

“If I had to go out like that, I gave it everything I had,” Graham said. “I’m happy with the way I played today. I couldn’t ask for anything else. We just have to stay focused, and I’m going to make sure that as a leader I make my presence felt in that part… At the end of the day, if I had to go out like that, I love the way I’ve got everything given there on the field. All I know is that they are not done with me yet, but that won’t be for long as I will see how I can continue to help my team.”

Graham said he had been suffering from tendonitis in his triceps before sustaining the injury.

“But this time it was different,” Graham said. “It lingered a little longer. And when they tried to examine me, I knew something was wrong.”

Graham, who considered retirement before deciding to play this season, said it is too early to determine if his season and career are over. Meanwhile, the Eagles improved to 9-2.

“Man… like I told the guys, the mission is still the mission,” Graham said via NBC. “We’re putting everything we can into this game. When I say I trust God, I trust God. just enjoy myself and I’m about to enjoy this little rehab and I’m going to enjoy leading this team the rest of the year and as soon as I can get back out there, I’ll be back out there.”

BUY EAGLES TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKET MASTER

Head coach Nick Sirianni said he wants to wait for the final diagnosis.

“I love him,” Sirianni said. “He’s one of my favorite guys I’ve ever had the pleasure of coaching. We’ll see where it is. I’m not ready to talk about it yet. I remain hopeful and we will see.”

Graham has been a stalwart for the Eagles since they drafted him 13th overall in 2010. He has 76.5 career sacks and moved to third in franchise history when beating Stafford in the second quarter.

The Eagles are already weak defensively. Byrce Huff had surgery on his left wrist on Thursday and was placed on injured reserve for Sunday’s game.

With Huff out, linebacker Jalyx Hunt The expectation is that the workload will increase. Hunt, the team’s third-round pick in this year’s draft, started on special teams but has seen his time on defense increase, beating Huff in games against the Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys. However, Hunt didn’t play any defense in Thursday’s win over the Washington Commanders.

Hunt was expected to be a developmental player as he continues to learn the edge rusher position after starting his college career as a safety. His speed around offensive linemen in his limited time on the field was noticeable, with Hunt having a sack and three tackles this season.