Everyone has been so convinced that the Philadelphia Eagles are going to have their starting right tackle, Lane Johnson, back for their Wild Card game against the San Francisco 49ers. Turns out that fans have to pump the brakes on that.
It was a good week of practice for Johnson, who has been limited in all three workouts, the first time he has been there since before the Detroit Lions game in November. The Eagles' final injury report still lists him as questionable for the 49ers playoff game due to his foot injury.
NFL insider Mike Garafolo shared just one day before the game that Johnson's playing status for the contest is not 100% guaranteed.
"Lane Johnson is listed as questionable and I know we've said all week, 'There's nothing that's going to keep Lane Johnson off the field.' Well, Ian Rapoport and I have been doing our calls today and there is some concern he could miss this game. He was limited in practice all week. He looked good in spurts, but it's a tough injury. It's a painful injury. I would say this is a legitimate game time decision."
Lane Johnson is not a show in to play against the 49ers
This is a major blow to the Eagles' fan base, which has been convinced all week that Johnson was going to play. From Brian Baldinger going back and forth on Johnson's playing status to Adam Schefter saying he would be surprised not to see him play, everyone has been leaning toward playing.
Eagles fans would love to see Johnson play since he is one of the best in the NFL. The stat has been shared before, but Johnson has allowed zero quarterback hits and sacks in 262 pass-blocking snaps for the Eagles this season.
One thing to keep in mind is that one of the Eagles' offensive line backups, Brett Toth, has been downgraded to out for the game with a concussion. This is another tough blow for the Eagles, who now might have depth concerns.
If Johnson can't play, it will be Fred Johnson jumping back into the lineup after starting at right tackle for the last seven games of the season. While Fred has done a nice job at right tackle, Lane is an elite talent the Eagles would love to have on the field.
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Philly is hoping the news will change in the next 24 hours, saying that Lane Johnson will be back on the field.