Detroit Lions running back Jerome Harrison was nearly traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, but a physical performed on Harrison revealed that he has a brain tumor, according to multiple reports.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the story through Twitter, saying: “Without trade, Jerome Harrison doesn’t get physical. Without physical, doctors don’t find brain tumor. Trade might have saved his life.”
The Lions were set to send Harrison and a 2013 draft pick to the Eagles for Ronnie Brown, but it was voided after the physical revealed Harrison’s brain tumor.
Lions head coach Jim Schwartz declined to comment on the trade but he did say, “You guys obviously know that the trade didn’t go through. Anytime you make a trade in the NFL, there’s a lot of different conditions – everywhere from physical to contracts to reporting and everything else.
“This one ended up not being executed. Both players revert back to the teams, draft pick comes back, and that’s about all I’ll say on it.”
Before the report of the tumor came out, the Eagle’s website confirmed a report that the trade was voided after Harrison failed the physical.
In four games this year, Harrison has rushed for 41 yards on 14 carries. His most productive season was in 2009 with the Cleveland Browns when Harrison ran for 862 yards in 14 games.
Brown has rushed for 38 yards on 13 carries for the Eagles this season.
The surprising 5-1 Lions are out looking for another running back because their starter, Jahvid Best, suffered his second concussion of the year. Best’s 390 rushing yards is good for 13th in the league.
