Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65) against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images Eric Hartline
Lane Johnson won't suit up Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, but the six-time Pro Bowler may not be out for as long as initially anticipated.
Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer explained Saturday evening why the Eagles didn't place Johnson on injured reserve, which would have put him out for a minimum of four games:
Johnson suffered a Lisfranc injury in the first quarter against the Lions last Sunday and didn’t return. Initial tests indicated he would miss four to six weeks, which would have likely sent him to IR until the postseason.
The inflammation in Johnson’s right foot needed to go down before he could have X-rays. The results may be the best-case scenario for the 13-year veteran and the Eagles.
Johnson can return at any time that he's ready now, including within the next month, which he wouldn't have been able to do if he went on IR.
In Johnson's absence, another Johnson — Fred Johnson — will step in at right tackle. Fred Johnson went undrafted out of Florida, but the 6-foot-7, 326-pound lineman is now in his seventh NFL season, and third as a member of the Eagles. He'll try to keep the Eagles above water at right tackle, as Jalen Hurts and company attempt to get the offense on track before the postseason.
Lane Johnson remains an integral part of the Eagles, but he's also 35 years old and has been part of two deep postseason runs in the last three years. Obviously, the Eagles would rather have him in the coming weeks. But if the two-time All-Pro is able to enter the postseason a little less banged up, that could prove to be a blessing in disguise.
