Nick Foles out indefinitely with a fractured clavicle, will have surgery Monday
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Nick Foles remained upbeat following the team's 40-26 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, a game he only played two drives in. But despite his positive, he was upfront with the reality of the situation after he fractured his clavicle following a hard hit from Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones on the game's second drive.
"It happens in this sport," he said.
Foles said he will have surgery on the fractured clavicle on Monday. Foles had a hairline fracture in the same clavicle in his 2014 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, but he was direct with the difference in the severity of the injuries.
“This one’s worse than 2014. At the same time, I’m optimistic that it will heal quicker," he said.
"It is the same side. Different place on the collarbone and the one in 2014 didn't need surgery. It was a hairline fracture, so it was a different situation."
Foles said he knew he was hurt right when he hit the ground. Coincidentally, he was injured by Jones, a former teammate who he said he gave a hug to after the game.
"It was probably just one of those things, it was just unfortunate it happened. I landed on it wrong and it happens in this sport. We’ll keep moving forward," he said.
Head coach Doug Marrone said he has no timetable for Foles' return. He said he spoke with his starting quarterback throughout the game and at halftime, and he is still confident in the team even without Foles.
Rookie Gardner Minshew performed well in place of Foles, finishing the game 22-of-25 passing for 275 yards and two touchdowns. Foles said he was proud of the way his backup played and he will be there to help him the entire time he is sidelined.
But for now, Foles isn't sure of just how long that will be. And until anyone knows, the team will be holding its breath. Foles was determined to be out six to eight weeks in 2014 with an injury he said wasn't as severe and didn't require surgery. So reading in between the lines, there is a chance it could be an extended absence for Jacksonville's starting signal-caller.
“We don’t have a time span. We’re going to take it one day at a time. Ultimately just get the surgery done and also praying for [Head Team Physician Kevin] Kaplan to be ready to roll. I’m going to do everything I can to get back as quickly as I can to where I’m ready to roll," Foles said.