The Philadelphia Eagles are limping into the final 3 games of the regular season on offense — particularly up front.
Wednesday’s practice told us as much, and possibly a little more on a high profile skill position player.
“Eagles practicing at Lincoln Financial Field today,” ESPN’s Tim McManus wrote on X on Wednesday, December 17. “Saquon Barkley (stinger) is here. Do not see Landon Dickerson, Lane Johnson or Jalen Carter.”
Both Dickerson, a 3-time Pro Bowler, and Barkley, the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, played in a 31-0 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15. The victory snapped a 3-game losing streak.
Johnson, a 5-time NFL All-Pro and 6-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle, has been out since suffering a Lisfranc injury in a Week 11 win over the Detroit Lions.
Carter, an NFL All-Pro defensive tackle, hasn’t played since undergoing procedures on both shoulders following a Week 13 loss to the Chicago Bears.
The Eagles travel to face the Washington Commanders (4-10) in Week 16 in a rare Saturday game.
Johnson Could Be Key to Turning Things Arouund
Of all the players on the injury update list for the Eagles, Johnson might be the one they need back the most.
Aside from the leadership qualities and experience he brings to the locker room, the 35-year-old, 2-time Super Bowl champion is still playing his position better than almost anyone in the NFL right now.
According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson’s 77.7 overall grade puts him 17th among 82 eligible right offensive tackles.
“Help on the way for the Eagles: All-Pro OT Lane Johnson, dealing with a Lisfranc sprain, is likely to return to practice this week with eyes on facing the Commanders (Dec 20) or Bills (Dec 28),” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport wrote on X on December 14. “With the lowest pressure allowed rate this season for OTs, he looms large.”
Johnson’s replacement, Fred Johnson, was also sitting out practice with an ankle injury.
“Fred Johnson has done an amazing job filling in for Lane Johnson,” the Real Talk With MJ Podcast wrote on X. “He did the same for Jordan Mailata last year when he was on IR. Heart of a champion.”
Barkley has yet to miss a game due to injury in 2 seasons with the Eagles — he sat out last year’s regular season finale against the New York Giants after the No. 1 seed had already been clinched.
Barkley could hit an important milestone against the Commanders as he needs just 60 yards to hit 1,000 rushing yards for the season — it would be his fifth season with 1,000 rushing yards in 8 NFL seasons.
Eagles Find Unique Solution in Carter’s Absence
For Carter, arguably the best player on last year’s Super Bowl-winning defense, the solution to him being gone has been incredibly unique — putting 37-year-old veteran edge rusher Brandon Graham in his place.
Graham, 6-foot-2 and 265 pounds, had 2.0 sacks against the Raiders, carving out another piece of franchise history after coming out of retirement in October.
“Brandon Graham got a game ball after the Eagles win for becoming the oldest Eagles player with a sack,” NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark wrote on X. “And he got two sacks. He says he likes playing defensive tackle.”
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