At a Glance
- Lane Johnson appeared at practice after missing six games with a Lisfranc sprain.
- Backup Fred Johnson filled in for the injured tackle.
- Coach Nick Sirianni announced the rest of the starters for Week 18.
- Why it matters: It signals the Eagles’ focus on playoff readiness while managing key injuries.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ practice on Friday saw a rare sighting of star right tackle Lane Johnson, who had been sidelined since a Lisfranc sprain in November. While he was not actively playing, his presence in the gym and on the field suggests he could be ready for the playoffs. Coach Nick Sirianni confirmed that most starters will sit out Week 18 to preserve health for the postseason.
Lane Johnson’s Status
Johnson, 35, missed the last 6 games after the foot injury, with backup Fred Johnson taking over. In the 10 games he started before the injury, he had not allowed a sack and was credited with just 7 pressures by PFF. His appearance at practice, wearing his No. 65 jersey and helmet, is a positive sign for his availability in the wild-card game at the Linc.
- No sacks allowed in 10 starts
- 7 pressures credited by PFF
Olivia Bennett Harris tweeted:
> “Johnson isn’t expected to play on Sunday but this appears to be a good sign for the playoffs.”
Other Players Not Participating
Other key players were absent from Friday’s indoor session. These include DT Jalen Carter (hip), LB Nakobe Dean (hamstring), TE Dallas Goedert (knee), OLB Jaelan Phillips (ankle), and S Marcus Epps (concussion). Epps was added to the injury report after Thursday’s practice and is in the NFL concussion protocol.
| Metric | Before Injury | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Games started | 10 | 0 |
| Sacks allowed | 0 | 0 |
| Pressures | 7 | N/A |
Key Takeaways
- Lane Johnson is back in practice, indicating possible playoff availability.
- Backup Fred Johnson has carried the offensive line through the last six games.
- The Eagles are resting starters in Week 18 to protect health for the postseason.
The Eagles’ focus on health and strategic rest could prove pivotal as they aim for a playoff berth.
