The unthinkable has happened. Lane Johnson will no only play for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Johnson announced his retirement from the NFL on social media in a stunning turn of events. It was announced before kickoff of the 24-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4 that Johnson was not going to play due to a personal matter.
Back in training camp, Johnson missed four days of practice due to a personal matter as well. After returning, he did announce that this would be the final year of his career.
Johnson finished his career with six Pro Bowl selections, five All-Pro selections, and two Super Bowl championships. He was the fourth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft and spent his entire career with the Eagles.
Lane Johnson is retired, so what now for the Eagles?
Well, the future starts now in Philly, with the Eagles needing to make adjustments to the offensive line. It appears that rookie third-round pick Markel Bell will be starting at right tackle for the foreseeable future.
This will serve as a trial period for Bell to see if he can handle the starting position. He had a mixed game for his first career start against the Rams, but under the circumstances, he did well.
The Eagles will need to reshuffle the offensive line. Landon Dickerson is still on IR, and Cam Jurgens is in concussion protocol; Fred Johnson is also hurt and out. That leaves Willie Lampkin as the starting left guard, and Drew Kendall will remain the starting center.
This is going to bring up many questions about the offense for the Eagles and how they will function moving forward under Sean Mannion as offensive coordinator. They were 0-for-12 on third down and gained only 172 yards in the loss to the Rams. Historically, this Eagles team is not good without Johnson in the lineup.
Mannion will have to get more creative to help his young right tackle out. Expect more quick passes and zone runs to the left side of the offensive line.
They will also ask a lot from left tackle Jordan Mailata and right guard Tyler Steen since they are the most senior guys healthy at the moment. Mailata has been trying to help Jurgens out, but Steen has played well. Both guys really need to step up and help stabilize this offensive line.
Read more: Will Shipley might actually be what Eagles need most in their futile offense
Philly is set to get ready with the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, so not having Lane Johnson not only affects that game, but the rest of the season. It's the news the Eagles didn't hear to hear.
Add us as a preferred source on Google