Eagles face turmoil as Lane Johnson’s absence extends losing streak, rookie lineman returns to practice
PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Eagles find themselves in a troubling situation, with their last victory coming on November 16, nearly a month ago. That fateful game also marked the last appearance of right tackle Lane Johnson, who exited early due to a Lisfranc injury. Despite the severity of his condition, the team opted against placing him on injured reserve, holding out hope that Johnson could return without being sidelined for the customary four-game minimum. However, as the Eagles prepare to host the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday, optimism surrounding Johnson’s potential return appears dim.
Lane Johnson’s Impact
The Eagles have struggled considerably in Johnson’s absence, posting an unsettling 0-3 record. Fred Johnson has stepped in to fill the void left by Lane, but the disparity in performance is stark. Last season, when Johnson was forced to replace an injured Jordan Mailata, the Eagles managed to go 4-0, highlighting Johnson’s crucial role as both a player and leader.
“He’s working hard,” head coach Nick Sirianni remarked about Johnson’s recovery efforts. “He is doing everything he can to get back as fast as he possibly can. Obviously, he’s a great football player, great team leader, and we’ll see as the week continues.” Despite Sirianni’s encouraging words, the absence of Johnson from practice on Thursday raises further concerns.
Injury Concerns for the Offensive Line
Adding to the Eagles’ offensive woes, left guard Landon Dickerson’s status remains uncertain. He was estimated to have participated in a limited capacity during Wednesday’s walkthrough but was notably absent from practice on Thursday. It’s unclear if Dickerson experienced a recurrence of the calf injury that sidelined him during Monday night’s loss against the Chargers or if the team is simply opting to give him a rest day. If Dickerson is unable to take the field, Brett Toth is likely to step up as his replacement.
Rookie Reinforcements on the Horizon
In a move signaling their awareness of the tight situation, the Eagles have opened a 21-day practice window for rookie lineman Cam Williams. Drafted as a tackle but cross-trained as a guard during summer training camp, Williams represents a potential solution to the Eagles’ ongoing offensive line struggles. This approach mirrors the team’s earlier decision when Cam Jurgens faced a knee injury, leading them to give Willie Lampkin a similar chance to practice.
The Eagles previously opened the practice window for rookie tackle Myles Hinton following Johnson’s injury against the Lions. However, with Johnson still not appearing ready to suit up, the team allowed Hinton’s opportunity to close without a call-up. Neither Lampkin nor Hinton is eligible to play again this season, yet both remain on the squad and continue their rehabilitation on the field.
Defensive Setbacks
The Eagles’ challenges are not limited to their offensive line. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter is also expected to miss his second consecutive game after receiving platelet-rich plasma injections in both shoulders. His absence further compounds the difficulties faced by the Eagles as they navigate an increasingly challenging season.
As the Eagles gear up for their matchup against the Raiders, the team grapples with injuries and an urgent need for a turnaround. The absence of key players like Johnson and Carter underscores the uphill battle they face in their quest for redemption.
