The Philadelphia Eagles could be getting a major reinforcement just in time for the home stretch. Veteran right tackle Lane Johnson is targeting a return in either Week 16 against the Washington Commanders or Week 17 versus the Buffalo Bills, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. That’s welcome news for a team that’s been searching for answers on offense-and could use the steadying presence of one of the best in the business.
Johnson has been sidelined since mid-November with a Lisfranc sprain, an injury he suffered during a Sunday Night Football matchup against the Detroit Lions. He’ll miss his fourth straight game this weekend, but there’s optimism he could begin practicing again this week. For an Eagles team trying to regain its footing, that’s a significant development.
Before the injury, Johnson had been his usual dominant self. Through the first 10 games of the season, the 35-year-old didn’t allow a single sack and gave up just seven pressures over 262 pass-blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus. That kind of production doesn’t just disappear without impact-especially when you're talking about one of the anchors of the offensive line.
In his absence, Fred Johnson has stepped in at right tackle. While he’s done his best to hold the line, the Eagles’ offense has clearly felt the effects of Lane Johnson’s absence.
Heading into their Week 15 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia ranked just 27th in offensive success rate. That’s a steep drop for a team that’s used to being among the league’s most efficient units.
Still, despite the recent skid-three straight losses-the Eagles remain atop the NFC East with an 8-5 record. The division lead is theirs for now, but with the postseason looming, getting Lane Johnson back could be the difference between limping into January and making a real push.
Johnson’s return won’t magically fix everything, but for a struggling offense, having a perennial All-Pro back in the trenches is a huge step in the right direction. If he’s able to suit up in either of the next two weeks, the Eagles’ playoff hopes could get the jolt they desperately need.