It turns out the trade of running backs that never was between the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions was a blessing in disguise for one of the players involved.




The Eagles failed in trying to reacquire former backup Jerome Harrison because he didn't pass a routine physical, but according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the fact that Harrison just went through that procedure "might have saved his life."



Jerome Harrison faces difficulty outside of football—he is being treated for a brain tumor. Tests after he was traded to the Eagles disclosed the problem. While Harrison was getting his physical, Schefter reports, the Eagles' medical staff found that he had a brain tumor.

Although a direct result of the discovery is that Harrison will remain with Detroit and Ronnie Brown isn't going there, it's clear something much more important came out of it.



Harrison isn't expected to play for the Lions at any point during the 2011 season, but there's reason for optimism regarding his health in 2012 and beyond Sources told ESPN that Harrison's "long-term prognosis" is favorable, both in terms of his career in football and life afterward.

Harrison played with the Eagles as LeSean McCoy's backup last season, and did so at a high level. In producing 239 rushing yards and a touchdown, he averaged a whopping 6 yards per carry. This season, however, Harrison had seen limited action for the Lions behind Jahvid Best, Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams. Harrison had 14 carries for 41 yards.

It's a strange twist that Harrison going away from a favorable situation in the Eagles' offense ended up in him getting the help he needed from the Eagles' doctors. Everyone's rooting for Harrison in both Philadelphia and Detroit now.