Eagles Near Full Strength as Johnson Returns

Eagles Near Full Strength as Johnson Returns

At a Glance

  • Lane Johnson practiced for the second straight day after a Lisfranc sprain sidelined him since Nov. 16
  • 21 of 22 projected starters expected to face the 49ers in Sunday’s wild-card game
  • Landon Dickerson the lone absence Thursday, following usual late-season rest protocol
  • Why it matters: A healthy offensive line could swing Philadelphia’s playoff opener

Philadelphia’s injury outlook flipped positive as right tackle Lane Johnson returned to the field, raising hopes he’ll start Sunday against San Francisco.

Johnson’s Comeback Trail

Johnson, 35, has not played since the Week 11 injury. His potential return would upgrade a line that surrendered zero sacks in his 10 games this season, per ProFootballFocus.

Backup Fred Johnson held down the spot during the seven-game absence, but the staff views Lane as a future Hall of Fame anchor.

Practice Report Highlights

injury

Players back in action Thursday:

  • LB Nakobe Dean (hamstring)
  • DT Jalen Carter (hip)
  • S Marcus Epps (concussion)
  • TE Dallas Goedert (knee)

Full participants from Wednesday continued:

  • OLB Jaelan Phillips (ankle)
  • OLB Azeez Ojulari (hamstring)

Limited participant:

TE Grant Calcaterra (knee/ankle) – returned after missing Wednesday

Observer only:

OL Brett Toth (concussion) – present without a helmet

The only starter on Injured Reserve is rookie safety Drew Mukuba, who fractured his ankle in late November.

Key Takeaways

  • Johnson’s consecutive practices signal real chance of suiting up Sunday
  • Dickerson’s Thursday rest mirrors late-season routine
  • Calcaterra’s return solidifies tight-end depth behind Goedert
  • Toth still in protocol but present for meetings and walk-throughs

With kickoff approaching, the Eagles appear poised to field virtually their full starting lineup for the wild-card showdown.

Author

  • I’m Sarah L. Montgomery, a political and government affairs journalist with a strong focus on public policy, elections, and institutional accountability.

    Sarah L. Montgomery is a Senior Correspondent for News of Philadelphia, covering city government, housing policy, and neighborhood development. A Temple journalism graduate, she’s known for investigative reporting that turns public records and data into real-world impact for Philadelphia communities.

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