Lane Johnson’s absence from practice has become the early Eagles storyline nobody wanted.
The veteran right tackle has now missed three straight sessions, with ProFootballTalk reporting that he is not practicing and that it’s not believed to be an injury issue. Johnson was excused with a non-injury designation, and his absence from today’s work marked the third day in a row he stayed off the field.
At 36, Johnson may not need the same kind of preseason ramp-up as younger players, so the situation could turn out to be nothing. Still, when a reason isn’t publicly provided, concern fills the gap fast. Some Eagles fans have already started wondering whether this is tied to something personal, including his family or his mental health.
“I hope everything is ok with him and his family,” one user wrote.
“Last time this happen it was due to depression.. @LaneJohnson65 hope thats not the case this time,” wrote another.
“This is now a 3rd straight practice with no Lane Johnson. Should we be concerned or no?
Hope he’s alright!” a third said.
The Eagles know better than anyone how important Johnson is when he’s available. In his six Pro Bowl seasons, Philadelphia reached the Super Bowl three times.
For now, the work shifts to rookie third-round pick Markel Bell. Bell started at left tackle for the Miami Hurricanes in each of the past two seasons, and if Johnson remains out, he’ll be the next man up. At the very least, the rookie is getting first-team reps sooner than expected.
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