The Eagles might have their beginning quarterback out there to shut out the common season, however the identical will possible not be true of considered one of their key offensive linemen. Right deal with Lane Johnson is coping with a torn tendon in his stomach, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Surgery could also be required in some unspecified time in the future, as noted by Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Schefter provides that Johnson is anticipated to overlook the ultimate two weeks of the common season. While that may make for a notable absence down the stretch, the workforce is hopeful at this level that he can recuperate in time for the playoffs. Philadelphia didn’t clinch the No. 1 seed within the NFC over the weekend, however doing so at any level within the remaining stretch of the marketing campaign would assure them a bye within the Wild Card spherical and provides Johnson additional time to get wholesome.
The 32-year-old was just lately named a Pro Bowler for the fourth time in his profession, as his standout play has continued in 2022. Johnson has generated a PFF grade of 83.2 this season, the second straight season by which he has eclipsed a score of 80 or greater and sixth total. He has graded out because the seventh-best offensive deal with per PFF, underlining his significance to Philadelphia’s offense throughout what has been a massively profitable season to this point.
The Eagles have a league-best file of 13-2, and have seen loads of manufacturing on the bottom due in no small half to the power of their offensive entrance. Johnson has been instrumental in Philadelphia averaging 154 yards per recreation on the bottom, which ranks fourth within the NFL. A ground-heavy strategy may very well be so as if QB Jalen Hurts is as soon as once more compelled to take a seat out resulting from a shoulder sprain, although a return in time for Week 17 towards the Saints could still be on the table.
This damage will mark Johnson’s first missed time since a three-week absence last season, the reason for which he cited as psychological well being. The affect on the Eagles’ move safety particularly will possible be substantial, as the previous top-five choose has but to permit a sack since 2020. Jack Driscoll, drafted within the fourth spherical that yr, is anticipated to be Johnson’s alternative at proper deal with. He has made 14 begins in his profession, together with one this season.
The Eagles enter the closing levels of the common season with Super Bowl aspirations, however the accidents to Hurts and now Johnson solid severe doubt on their offensive upside in at the very least the quick future. Their respective recoveries will go a great distance in figuring out how deep of a playoff run the workforce can go in January and February.