October 16, 2023

Report: Positive prognosis for star Eagles RT Lane Johnson after MRI

Eagles All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson got some positive injury news following an MRI.

By Jimmy Kempski
PhillyVoice Staff

Kate Frese/for PhillyVoice

Lane Johnson

Philadelphia Eagles star RT Lane Johnson left Sunday's loss to the New York Jets with an ankle injury after playing just nine snaps, and he did not return. Johnson had an MRI Monday morning, and according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the prognosis is good.

#Eagles Pro Bowl OT Lane Johnson is believed to have suffered a lateral ankle sprain on Sunday, sources say after the MRI. While his status is in doubt, no one would rule him out (ever). But not believed to be a long-term injury, either way.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 16, 2023

That isn't exactly the clearest wording I've ever seen, but Johnson isn't expected to miss much time. As a reminder, Johnson shut down Nick Bosa while playing through a very painful sports hernia injury a season ago.

Since 2016, the Eagles are 10-22 when Johnson is out of the lineup, not including Sunday's loss.

• 2016: 2-8
• 2017: 1-0
• 2018: 0-1
• 2019: 3-1 (0-1 in the playoffs)
• 2020: 2-7
• 2021: 1-3
• 2022: 1-1

Week after week the Eagles ask Johnson to block elite edge rushers on an island with no help, and he consistently erases them. He sometimes isn't appreciated for what he means to the Eagles until he's not in the lineup. He is arguably the best offensive lineman in the NFL, and an irreplaceable player.

Johnson was replaced at RT by Jack Driscoll, and Jalen Hurts faced constant pressure from his right side thereafter.

In the coming weeks, the Eagles will be facing a number of talented edge rushers who either typically rush opposite the RT or are given opportunities to attack the opposing offensive line's biggest weakness, which would be at RT if Johnson is out.

• Week 7, Jaelan Phillips, Dolphins: Phillips had 8.5 sacks as a rookie in 2021, 7.5 in 2022. He has missed three games so far in 2023, but is back in the lineup. Good, young pass rusher.

• Week 8, Montez Sweat, Commanders: Sweat has 4.5 sacks in 6 games this season. He had 29.5 sacks his first four seasons in the NFL.

• Week 9, Micah Parsons, Cowboys: Some feel that Parsons is the best defensive player in the NFL. He is inarguably top 5, and he has finished second in NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in each of his first two seasons.

Ideally for the Eagles, Johnson will only miss one game, if that.