On the eve of Christmas, the Philadelphia Eagles saw four players listed as non-participants in the first injury report of Week 17 ahead of the Buffalo Bills showdown.
Those who did not practice include some usual names in Lane Johnson (foot) and Landon Dickerson (illness), with one new, but expected name in Nakobe Dean (hamstring). There was one more surprise name on the list, with A.J. Brown out with a tooth injury, but it has been reported that he had his wisdom teeth pulled, so it may not be as serious as the report shows.
Seven players were listed as limited, with the biggest name on there being Jalen Carter, who is finally practicing this week after missing pretty much the whole month with his shoulder injury. Carter already told the media that he expects to play against the Bills.
What is going on with Lane Johnson?
It's been two weeks now that Johnson has reportedly been coming back and expected to play, but still hasn't practiced. Carter has at least practiced two straight days this week, but there has been nothing from Johnson being on the field and working out.
Johnson has not played since the Detroit Lions Sunday Night Football showdown last month due to a foot injury. It will be Fred Johnson at right tackle once again if Lane Johnson can't go, but Fred Johnson once again is on the injury report himself with a calf injury now, when he has been dealing with an ankle injury the last few weeks.
The Dean injury is very telling after he was knocked out in the 29-18 win over the Washington Commanders in Week 16, as it is starting to look like he might not play. Philly might be okay not rushing him back, as rookie Jihaad Campbell would be able to fill in just fine.
As for Dickerson not practicing, it's been a common thing for him not to practice for rest, as he's been banged up all season. Dickerson and DeVonta Smith both showed up on the injury report with illnesses, so not sure if that is anything serious, but both should still be in line to play.
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It's not exactly the best injury to start the holiday week off with, but the Eagles should still be good to go to have most of the key players in for the Bills game.