Philadelphia Eagles left tackle Jason Peters reportedly pulled himself out of the fourth quarter in Saturday's game against the Washington Redskins, according to Howard Eskin of Fox 29. The Eagles were officially eliminated from the playoffs following their 38-24 loss, and Peters reportedly said that he was not going to get hurt for this, according to Eskin.
Peters is a huge cornerstone piece for the Eagles offensive line and signed a four-year, $41 million extension back in early 2014. The report was confirmed by Eagles reporter Les Bowen, who has stated that Peters did not want to risk getting hurt for a team that isn't going to the playoffs.
Peters, running back Darren Sproles and defensive end Fletcher Cox were the only three Eagles selected to the Pro Bowl. This will be Peters' eighth Pro Bowl and his sixth since joining the Eagles in 2009.
Philadelphia fans are likely questioning Peters' commitment, as players around the league continue to put their bodies at risk and give effort despite knowing their team is eliminated from the playoffs. There is no doubt that Peters is one of the top-tier offensive lineman in the NFL, but many around Philadelphia are likely disappointed to hear this report as it questions his effort and his team first mindset, as it sounds like he is more concerned with himself than the team. Questions regarding Chip Kelly's system and whether his players are still behind him have circulated all year, and many are left wondering if Peters' decision to walk off the field Saturday had anything to do with his head coach.
