The 2025 NFL season began with heartbreak for the Philadelphia Eagles, especially for fullback Ben VanSumeren, who likely suffered a season-ending injury a mere moment before Jalen Carter was ejected.
Thanks to their exceptional defensive strategy, the Cowboys couldn’t maintain the rhythm they got at the start, and the Eagles ultimately pulled off a chaotic 24–20 win.
But that doesn’t overshadow the devastating knee injury suffered by VanSumeren, who was carted off the field just seconds into the game.
Fans in Shock as Ben VanSumeren Goes Down With Brutal Injury
VanSumeren went down during KaVontae Turpin’s 27-yard kick return to open the game, immediately clutching his knee before medical staff rushed onto the field. The Eagles quickly ruled him out for the rest of the contest with a knee injury.
This obviously hits hard, considering the blow comes less than a year after VanSumeren battled back from a season-ending ACL injury that cut short his 2024 campaign.
You have to be one unlucky person to blow your knee on the first play of the season. Eagles Ben VanSumeren did just that pic.twitter.com/ltQGg68baP
— CFBBlueprint (@CFBBluePrint) September 5, 2025
Social media responded with frustration as fans watched another promising season potentially slip away for the gritty special teamer.
“For sure an ACL injury for VanSumeren SUCKS MAN. TERRIBLE START FOR HIM,” one crushed fan wrote, echoing everyone’s point of view.
The cruel timing of consecutive season-ending injuries wasn’t lost on supporters. “Two years in a row now,” another fan remarked, highlighting the brutal reality facing VanSumeren.
Another X user remarked, “That’s devastating for Ben VanSumeren. Coming back from a devastating injury and likely suffering another one in a contract year.”
Some fans noted the ripple effects on the depth chart. “I’m sad Vansumeren got hurt. It felt like Granson kind of replaced him in the game plan a bit,” noted one observer.
Another crushed fan expressed concern, penning, “Sad. Ben VanSumeren’s injury looks potentially season-ending…. These injuries are badly taking their toll on him.”
VanSumeren signed a one-year, $1.055 million deal with no guaranteed money, making this injury even more costly from a financial standpoint.
Eagles Await Further Updates on VanSumeren’s Status
The 25-year-old was visibly frustrated and shocked while throwing his helmet following the setback. After all these years, he finally got the chance to play in a position that is natural for him. Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie reportedly kept him on plan A.
So Ben VanSumeren hurt his knee on the opening kickoff and then Jalen Carter was ejected for spitting on Dak Prescott.
Just an absolutely idiotic move by Carter.
— Anthony DiBona (@DiBonaNFL) September 5, 2025
But all the lights went out just six seconds into the opener. It looks like he ends up with a season-ending injury again. Last season, he played only 11 games before being placed on injured reserve with what was later revealed to be an ACL tear.
However, there is no official information out regarding the latest injury yet. It could be an ACL tear or something else. Head coach Nick Sirianni hasn’t given a detailed post-game statement about VanSumeren’s condition.
But insiders say the team is concerned given his injury history. Maybe they are waiting for the MRI report.
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