The Eagles may have outplayed the Giants, spoiling their chance to clinch the playoffs outright before the last game of the season against the Redskins by forcing Manning to throw three picks. However,  they did so at the hefty price; for the third time this season, they sent a running back to IR. Ryan Mathews, the seven-year veteran whose career has been littered with injuries, collided with Damon “Snacks” Harrison in the third quarter and suffered a herniated a disc at C6-C7. Coach Doug Peterson called the injury a major deal.

The C6-C7 vertebrae are located at the base of the neck near the nerve roots that allow movement in the elbow, triceps, wrists, hands and fingers. Any injury to the neck and back is serious, and more so for a football player whose arm strength is crucial to their ability to play. Mathews will undergo surgery to repair the disc and determine if there is any further injury. Mathews finished the season with a career-high: eight touchdowns, 661 yards on 155 carries.

Mathews has a long road ahead as Dr. Gino Chiappetta discussed on WFAN. He was already rumored to be looking for a new home next season and this injury could be a determining factor.

We have partnered with WFAN 660 AM/101.9 FM to bring you the weekly Football Injury Update, a recap of the top injuries across the NFL with our doctors providing their expert medical opinion on the injury, treatment options and prognosis to return to the field of play. The Football Injury Update will air each Thursday and Friday on Mike Francesa’s show between 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.