Buccaneers vs Eagles: What happened to Darius Slay? 

Darius Slay has been working to get over his Super Bowl misfortune from the previous season since the beginning of this season. Still, the veteran player’s injuries took a toll on him, limiting his playing time to only 12 games this year.

After cutting out injury issues as he was vying to fulfill his dream, the Eagles faced a devastating loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL Playoff’s Wild Card Round. However, the cornerback also had a difficult night that included a terrifying on-field incident before the heartbreaking loss.

What happened to Darius Slay?

Darius Slay faced a grim injury during the wild card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Late in the fourth quarter, while attempting to make a tackle on Buccaneers running back Rachaad White, Slay suffered an apparent back injury, per CBS Sports.

The injury occurred as Slay had White wrapped around his lower legs when additional Eagles teammates joined to assist in the tackle. Unfortunately, the positioning of Slay’s body led to a backward bend, resulting in what seems to be a significant lower back injury. The veteran cornerback, visibly in pain, attempted to leave the field independently. Nevertheless, Darius Slay couldn’t make it far and ultimately required the assistance of a cart to reach the locker room.

Both teams, including players and staff, rushed onto the field to show support for the cornerback. The extent of the injury remains undisclosed, but it is evident that the 33-year-old experienced considerable discomfort and was seen immediately tending to his back before being carted off with 6:11 left in the game.

The Eagles’ season had already come to an end this offseason. With the offseason ahead, Darius Slay will have the time to focus on his recovery.

This unfortunate incident adds to Darius Slay’s challenging season, having missed five games earlier due to a knee injury. Despite the setbacks, the five-time Pro Bowler showcased resilience by returning for the playoffs. His overall performance for the season included 57 tackles, 14 passes defended, and two interceptions.

Eagles crash out against Buccaneers

The wild card matchup turned into one of the most disastrous collapses in the Eagles’ franchise history as the team faced a crushing 32-9 defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Buccaneers dominated the game, with their offense showcasing an impressive performance, amassing over 400 yards. Baker Mayfield, the Buccaneers’ starting quarterback, threw for 337 yards and three touchdowns, steering the team to a substantial lead. The first half saw the Buccaneers hold a 242-182-yard advantage over the Eagles.

Notably, the Buccaneers’ defense complemented their offensive prowess, preventing the Eagles from converting a single third-down opportunity throughout the game.

On the contrary, the Eagles’ offense and defense struggled terribly in the game. Their cornerback, James Bradberry, missed multiple tackles throughout the night, and the defense was never able to consistently slow down the Bucs quarterback.

However, the Eagles’ offense showed signs of life on a subsequent drive, marked by Jalen Hurts’ 55-yard pass to DeVonta Smith. Despite starting the game with a dislocated middle finger on his throwing hand, Hurts completed 25 of 35 passes for 250 yards and one touchdown. In the final minute, backup quarterback Marcus Mariota replaced Hurts.

This defeat marked the end of a disappointing 1-6 slide for the Eagles, concluding their season on a somber note. As the Eagles face an offseason filled with questions, the loss highlights the need for strategic planning to address the team’s challenges.

On the other side of the spectrum, the Buccaneers secured a crucial win, earning them a spot in the NFC divisional-round matchup against the Detroit Lions in Detroit. The upcoming game is scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, setting the stage for a compelling clash between the Buccaneers and the Lions.