DeSean Jackson Inactive For Game Against Cardinals
PHILADELPHIA (AP)— DeSean Jackson isn't helping his contract cause.
The two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver was inactive for the Philadelphia Eagles' 21-17 loss to Arizona on Sunday because he missed a team meeting.
"I thought it was the right thing to do," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "I think it's out there now that he missed a meeting. He needs to step back and make sure that doesn't happen again."
It wasn't the first time Jackson has been late or missed a meeting, one person familiar with the situation said, calling this the "final straw."
"I'm not happy about it," Reid said.
Jackson has 29 catches for 503 yards and two touchdowns this season.
Without Jackson, the Eagles struggled against one of the league's lowest-rated pass defenses. Michael Vick threw for just 128 yards and two interceptions.
"Sometimes you have situations where you have to just live and learn," Vick said about Jackson. "We have to just figure out ways to make it right. I think DeSean will do that. I think Coach will. We'll move forward. We won't focus on that. That has nothing to do with the outcome of this game."
Jackson is in the final year of his rookie contract and held out for 11 days during training camp. He hasn't complained publicly about not getting a new deal. The deadline for teams to give players contract extensions and have money count toward this year's salary cap passed.
Jason Avant replaced Jackson in the starting lineup. Free safety Nate Allen (concussion) and left guard Evan Mathis (toe) also were inactive. Rookie Jaiquawn Jarrett took Allen's spot and King Dunlap filled in for Mathis.
For Arizona, quarterback Kevin Kolb was inactive for the second straight game because of turf toe. John Skelton started in his place. Kolb began last season as Philadelphia's No. 1 quarterback, but lost his job to Vick after sustaining a concussion in Week 1. He was traded for cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a draft pick.
Jackson had 110 catches for 2,223 yards and 15 TDs as a receiver the past two years and already owns the franchise record with four punt returns for scores.
(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
