Brandon Graham tweets message following potential Achilles injury

The Philadelphia Eagles suffered a major setback to their defensive line on Sunday. Captain and emotional leader Brandon Graham exited in the first half with what was reportedly an Achilles injury.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Sunday afternoon Graham’s initial diagnosis was an Achilles. He has an MRI scheduled for the morning, but the typical recovery time for the injury is at least six months.

“We still about to shock the world,” Graham wrote on Twitter. “I will just be leading from the sidelines this year working to be great for 2022. Appreciate all the love and now it is time for guys to step it up. You have to find the treasure in every situation!”

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni did not confirm anything following Philadelphia’s 17-11 victory. He did say the franchise was “fearful” of the injury, but did not go as far to use the word Achilles. 

A first-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Eagles took Graham 13th overall. The Michigan product was a second-team All-Pro in 2016 and he made last year’s Pro Bowl. 

Graham, 33, is an emotional leader of the team. He is the longest tenured player on the team and a huge part of their defense. He has also been a fixture on the Eagles defensive line, Graham has only missed one game with the Eagles since 2010, playing in 161 total in the timeframe.

Entering Sunday’s game, he had 414 total career tackles with 59 sacks and 19 forced fumbles. 

The Philadelphia defensive line has got off to a fast start, and losing Graham leaves a signicant gap. But Philadelphia has Derek Barnett, Josh Sweat, Ryan Kerrigan and rookie Turron Jackson at defensive end. Rookie Milton Williams can play defensive tackle and defensive end, too. 

Brandon Graham Michigan career

A five-star prospect and the No. 1 recruit out of Michigan in the 2006 class, he was a first-team All-American during his time in Ann Arbor and was named the Big Ten MVP for the 2009 season. 

He finished his Michigan career with 138 total tackles, 86 solo tackles, 56 tackles for loss, 29.5 sacks, one pass deflection and six forced fumbles. He played under both Lloyd Carr and Rich Rodriquez during his Wolverines career.