Malcolm Jenkins Describes Facing Cowboys With Apparent Concussion
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Malcolm Jenkins is the leader of the Eagles secondary and perhaps it is that reality that influenced him to remain in the Eagles vs. Cowboys game last Sunday despite suffering what he viewed as a concussion.
Jenkins spoke with reporters on Thursday and revealed that he got his "bell rung," in the second quarter while tackling Cowboys runningback Darren McFadden.
The Eagles safety says he did not tell coaches about the injury and played through it until his symptoms went away. He explained that he made coaches aware after the Eagles win.
"I just kind of kept it to myself which I probably shouldn't have done," Jenkins said on Thursday. "I kind of fought through the game."
With the NFL's well documented issues with concussions, the last thing many in the league and in the player's union want is for players to play through suspected concussions.
"I wasn't going to put myself in harm's way," Jenkins said. "I felt like I was good enough to compete."
Jenkins explained that he felt "foggy," and not like himself throughout points in the game, but that he felt better as play continued. He added that he would not stay out there again in the future if he feels similar symptoms and noted that the coaches and trainers were not pleased with his decision to keep the injury from them.
Chip Kelly addressed the issue in his press conference on Thursday afternoon.
"We talked to him afterwards about that," Kelly said of Jenkins not telling the staff about his injury. "He has to keep the coaches and the medical staff informed. His health and safety is the number one priority for us."
Kelly also admitted that the staff is still looking into the fact that they were not able to detect the injury as Jenkins' played, but it's clear that a part of this is definitely on Jenkins' shoulders.
"I've talked with [Jenkins]. He's heard from his mom and he's heard from his wife. His long-term health is the most important thing to us and we will continue to monitor him as we go and see if he is able to play on Sunday."
Jenkins practiced in full on Thursday and says he expects to play this weekend against the Dolphins.
