Chip Kelly defends Jason Peters, says he was injured
After the Eagles lost to the Redskins Saturday night and were officially eliminated from playoff contention, there were reports that veteran offensive lineman Jason Peters quit on the team. Chip Kelly did not see it that way.
As the story goes, Peters took himself out of the game when it became clear Philadelphia was going to lose because he didn’t want to risk injuring himself with nothing at stake. Kelly said in his weekly appearance on WIP Monday morning that Peters suffered an injury in the first quarter.
“Jason just could not go at the end of the game,” the coach said, per Rob Tornoe of Philly.com. “Jason’s given us everything; he’s been a warrior all season long. It’s unfair to say he’s not giving us his all.”
Kelly’s defense means very little, as there have been rumors all season long that his job is in jeopardy. A player literally quitting in the middle of a game would reflect horribly on a head coach.
Earlier this season, one Eagles player’s agent said Kelly has lost the team. It’s worth noting that there has been speculation that it was Peters’ agent who made those comments.
Either way, that certainly wasn’t the only report that made Kelly’s future in Philly seem grim. There are very few people who would be surprised if he is fired this offseason.
