> At a Glance
> – Lane Johnson and Nakobe Dean practiced Wednesday after multi-game absences
> – Philadelphia could field 21 of 22 starters against San Francisco on Sunday
> – The Eagles are 8-2 this season when Johnson plays, 3-4 without him
> – Why it matters: A healthy lineup gives the Eagles their best shot at advancing in the playoffs
The Eagles took a major step toward playoff health as Lane Johnson (foot) and Nakobe Dean (hamstring) returned to practice, raising hopes Philadelphia will field nearly its full starting roster against the 49ers.
Offensive Boost
Head coach Nick Sirianni called the 35-year-old right tackle “one of the best that’s ever done it” and noted his relentless rehab since a Lisfranc injury Nov. 16. Johnson has missed seven straight games but has targeted a postseason comeback since the day he was hurt.
Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo echoed the sentiment:
> Kevin Patullo stated:
> “Lane’s the best right tackle in the game, so if we get him back, it’s tremendous.”
Philadelphia’s record underscores his value:
- With Johnson (2016-24): 94-41-1
- Without Johnson (2016-24): 15-27
Defensive Reinforcement
Dean, the starting middle linebacker, sat out Weeks 17-18 with a hamstring strain but is expected to suit up, according to defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. The 25-year-old returned from a torn patellar tendon in Week 6 and has since logged:
- 55 tackles
- 4 sacks
- 2 forced fumbles
- 7 tackles for loss
- 6 quarterback hits
Injury Report Snapshot
Practicing Wednesday:
- Marcus Epps (concussion)
- Jalen Carter (hip)
- Dallas Goedert (knee)
- Jaelan Phillips (ankle)
Still sidelined:
- Brett Toth (concussion)
- Grant Calcaterra (knee/ankle)
Safety Andrew Mukuba (fractured ankle) is the lone regular starter on injured reserve.
Key Takeaways
- Johnson’s return would restore stability to an offensive line that protected the edge during an 8-2 start
- Dean’s speed and playmaking would bolster a linebacker corps that missed his production the past two games
- Philadelphia’s near-full roster contrasts with a banged-up 49ers squad that could be without LT Trent Williams and WR Ricky Pearsall
A healthy Eagles lineup sets the stage for a fiercely contested wild-card showdown at Lincoln Financial Field.
