Lane Johnson Avoids Surgery and Eyes Return This Season
Lane Johnson, the Philadelphia Eagles’ All-Pro right tackle, has received encouraging news regarding his Lisfranc injury. Reports indicate that he will not require surgery, and there is optimism surrounding his potential return this season.
Injury Update and Initial Concerns
Johnson sustained the injury during the Eagles’ hard-fought 16-9 victory over the Detroit Lions. Initially, there was concern that he had suffered a sprain that would sideline him for four to six weeks. The swelling in his foot complicated the evaluation, leading to fears that surgery might be necessary, a scenario that could have sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
However, information from an NFL source has confirmed that Johnson’s injury will be managed without surgical intervention. This revelation has sparked hopes that Johnson could return sooner than anticipated, although no specific timeline has been established.
Roster Decisions Reflect Optimism
As the deadline for roster moves approached on Saturday, Johnson remained on the Eagles’ 53-man roster and was placed on injured reserve. This decision signals the team’s belief that he might be available for the Week 15 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on December 14. While this return is not guaranteed, the Eagles are willing to keep a player of Johnson’s caliber on the roster, given the possibility of his recovery.
In the meantime, Johnson’s absence will be felt in the upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys, for which he has already been ruled out. Fred Johnson is expected to step in at right tackle, while Matt Pryor will take on the role typically filled by “Big Fred” in heavy package formations.
Rookie Linemen and Other Updates
The Eagles opted not to activate two rookie offensive linemen, Willie Lampkin and Myles Hinton, during their 21-day practice windows for a potential return from injured reserve. Lampkin, who joined the team from the LA Rams in September, will need to be added to the roster next week or risk being placed on IR for the remainder of the season. Hinton still has two weeks left in his practice window to potentially return.
In other news, center Cam Jurgens has progressed through the NFL’s concussion protocol and has been upgraded to available status for the game against Dallas. Meanwhile, star receiver DeVonta Smith will be traveling to North Texas separately due to a personal matter, but he has not been assigned a game status and is expected to play.
Looking Ahead
A victory for the 8-2 Eagles against the Cowboys would significantly bolster their standings in the NFC East, potentially securing the division title ahead of Thanksgiving. This outcome would also keep Philadelphia firmly in contention for the No. 1 seed in the NFC as they pursue a second consecutive Super Bowl championship. As the season progresses, the Eagles will continue to navigate the challenges of injuries and roster adjustments while maintaining their championship ambitions.
