In a development that could shift the tides for the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles have provided a crucial update on the recovery of their star right tackle, Lane Johnson. As the team gears up for their NFC Wild Card showdown against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, January 11, at 4:30 p.m. EST, Johnson’s potential return looms large over their playoff aspirations.
According to NFL sources reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane on Tuesday, January 5, Johnson is expected to practice on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a Lisfranc foot injury against the Detroit Lions on November 16. The All-Pro lineman has made significant progress in his rehabilitation, but he still needs to test his right foot fully before the Eagles decide on his availability for the upcoming game. This news comes as a potential bombshell for Eagles fans, given Johnson’s outsized impact on the team’s performance.
Originally diagnosed with a 4-6 week recovery timeline, Johnson’s absence has been keenly felt. The Eagles clinched the NFC East title with a Week 16 victory over the Washington Commanders, securing a home playoff berth and allowing the team to rest key players like Johnson for the final two regular-season games. That strategic decision paid off, as Philadelphia became the first NFC East team in 21 years to win back-to-back division titles, snapping the NFL’s longest streak without repeat champions.
Without Johnson on the field, the Eagles have struggled mightily. The team went 3-4 in the seven games he missed due to the injury, contributing to an overall record of 18-28 in contests without him over his 13-year career. Johnson has been remarkably durable in the postseason, missing just one of 15 possible playoff games—a Wild Card loss to the Seattle Seahawks in 2020. In 2023, he even delayed adductor surgery until after the Eagles’ Super Bowl run, underscoring his commitment to the team.
At 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds, the former No. 4 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft has established himself as one of the most dominant offensive linemen in league history. A perennial All-Pro and likely future Hall of Famer, Johnson has anchored the line during Philadelphia’s two Super Bowl victories and played a pivotal role in another appearance where they fell just three points short to the Kansas City Chiefs. His career earnings, set to reach $163 million after this season, reflect his elite status as he approaches his 36th birthday in May.
Eagles Nation is buzzing with optimism. As one superfan, Andrew C, posted on X on January 6: “C’mon … Eagles Nation knows Lane ain’t missing the playoffs for nothing.”
With Johnson’s practice return on the horizon, the Eagles’ offensive line could regain its full strength just in time for a high-stakes rematch with the 49ers. If he suits up, Philadelphia’s chances of advancing in their title defense soar—proving once again that few players influence the Birds’ fate quite like Lane Johnson. Stay tuned for further updates as the team finalizes its roster for Sunday’s clash.