PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham suffered an Achilles injury in Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers, and he took to social media after the game to say he'll be sidelined until next season.
"We still about to shock the world! I will just be leading from the sidelines this year working to be great for 2022," he wrote. "Appreciate all the love and now it is time for guys to step it up. U have to find the treasure in every situation!"
A source previously told ESPN that the Eagles believe Graham suffered a torn Achilles, as first reported by Derrick Gunn.
Coach Nick Sirianni said the team was "fearful" of what the injury might be but didn't want to speculate until the test results are in.
Graham sustained the injury on a noncontact play late in the first half. Several players offered their encouragement as he was assisted off the sideline and led to the cart to be taken inside.
"It's terrible. Probably one of the greatest humans I've had the pleasure of playing with, competing with," offensive tackle Lane Johnson said. "He's really the heartbeat of this team, the way he conducts himself, the way he leads and the way he plays."
Graham, 33, made his first Pro Bowl in 2020 after posting eight sacks and 13 tackles for loss. A first-round pick of the Eagles in 2010, Graham has missed just one game in the past five seasons. He has 59.5 career sacks, highlighted by a 9.5 sack campaign during the 2017 season, which he topped by strip sacking Tom Brady to secure the Eagles' win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.
Guard Brandon Brooks left with a chest injury in the first half and did not return. Sirianni said the team was still gathering information on the extent of the injury.
Landon Dickerson, the team's second-round pick in April, replaced Brooks at right guard, while fellow rookie Tarron Jackson saw an increased role in Graham's absence.
Brooks, 32, is considered one of the best guards in the game. He made three straight Pro Bowls from 2017 to '19 but has suffered multiple major injuries of late, including two torn Achilles.