Eagles' Kelce regrets 'cheap shot' that sparked brawl with Colts

Eagles center Jason Kelce is taking responsibility for a brawl that cut short the joint practice Tuesday between Philadelphia and the Indianapolis Colts.

A melee broke out between the two teams after Kelce sprinted an estimated 50 yards to land a blindside hit on Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin, according to NFL.com's Nick Shook. The incident occurred after Kelce appeared to take exception with Franklin for his hits on Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell. However, the lineman expressed regret for his actions, calling his hit a "cheap shot."

"We try and keep things civil on the field, and I pride myself on being a guy that sustains the emotions and level of play out there, and I let my emotions get the better of me," Kelce said, per ESPN's Tim McManus. "That certainly doesn't belong out there on the field, and a little ashamed that it got to that level."

Kelce said he didn't speak with Franklin following the incident, saying tensions currently may be a "little bit too high."

Franklin chalked up the dustup as a typical occurrence during joint practices. However, the veteran linebacker said he's looking forward to meeting Kelce on the field when the two teams play in the preseason Thursday.

"I thought the OGs would at least look me in the eye before (hitting me), but it's all good," Franklin said. "I might get a chance to look him in the eye Thursday, so we're going to be OK."

The practice-ending fight wasn't the only scuffle that took place Tuesday. Another confrontation between the two teams transpired after Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett knocked the ball out of the hands of Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson near the sideline.

The hostilities between the two clubs marred Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen's return to the Eagles' facility. He'd served as the team's offensive coordinator from 2021-22.