The Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for a crucial Week 16 matchup against the Washington Commanders, but the team’s injury situation just took a dramatic turn. As the Eagles limp toward the end of the regular season, Wednesday’s practice at Lincoln Financial Field delivered a bombshell update on several key players, raising questions about their availability for the rare Saturday showdown.
According to ESPN’s Tim McManus, star running back Saquon Barkley was spotted at practice despite dealing with a stinger injury. However, three prominent names were notably absent: offensive lineman Landon Dickerson, offensive tackle Lane Johnson, and defensive tackle Jalen Carter. This revelation comes on the heels of the Eagles’ dominant 31-0 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15, which snapped a frustrating three-game losing streak.
Dickerson, a three-time Pro Bowler, and Barkley, the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, both suited up and contributed in the shutout win against the Raiders. Barkley, in particular, has been a beacon of durability for Philadelphia. In his two seasons with the Eagles, he hasn’t missed a single game due to injury—only sitting out last year’s regular-season finale against the New York Giants after the team had already clinched the No. 1 seed. Now, with just 60 rushing yards needed to reach the 1,000-yard milestone for the season, Barkley could etch his name in the record books for the fifth time in his eight-year NFL career. His presence at practice is a positive sign, but the stinger could still limit his explosiveness against a Commanders defense desperate for a win at 4-10.
The bigger concerns swirl around the offensive and defensive lines. Lane Johnson, a five-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler, has been sidelined since suffering a Lisfranc injury in the Eagles’ Week 11 victory over the Detroit Lions. At 35 years old and a two-time Super Bowl champion, Johnson’s leadership and on-field prowess are irreplaceable. Pro Football Focus ranks him 17th among 82 eligible right tackles with a 77.7 overall grade, and he boasts the lowest pressure-allowed rate among offensive tackles this season. His absence has been felt acutely, but there’s a glimmer of hope: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Johnson is likely to return to practice this week, with eyes on a potential comeback against the Commanders on December 20 or the Buffalo Bills on December 28.
In Johnson’s stead, backup Fred Johnson has stepped up admirably, much like he did last year when filling in for Jordan Mailata during an IR stint. As the Real Talk With MJ Podcast noted, Fred Johnson has the “heart of a champion.” However, even he was sidelined from Wednesday’s practice with an ankle injury, adding another layer of uncertainty to the Eagles’ offensive front.
On the defensive side, the bombshell extends to Jalen Carter, an All-Pro defensive tackle who hasn’t played since Week 13’s loss to the Chicago Bears. Carter underwent procedures on both shoulders, leaving a massive void in the middle of a defense that powered last year’s Super Bowl run. In a creative twist, the Eagles have turned to 37-year-old veteran edge rusher Brandon Graham to fill the gap—moving him inside to defensive tackle. Graham, who came out of retirement in October, delivered a standout performance against the Raiders with 2.0 sacks, becoming the oldest Eagles player to record a sack (and he got two in one game). NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark highlighted Graham’s game-ball-worthy effort, quoting the veteran: “He says he likes playing defensive tackle.”
This unconventional solution has injected some energy into the defense, but Carter’s absence remains a significant blow. With the Eagles pushing for playoff positioning, getting him back would be a game-changer.
As Philadelphia prepares to face the struggling Commanders on Saturday, this injury update could be the turning point—or a stumbling block. If Johnson returns and Barkley shakes off his stinger, the Eagles’ offense could regain its rhythm just in time. But without Dickerson and Carter, the trenches might prove vulnerable. Fans will be watching closely as the team navigates these final three games, hoping this bombshell leads to a triumphant explosion rather than a dud. Stay tuned for more updates as kickoff approaches.