Lane Johnson will miss Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills with a groin injury, leaving the Eagles without their star right tackle against a defense that ranks No. 2 in the NFL in sacks.
Johnson was not on the injury report throughout the week and was a full participant in practice each day. On Sunday morning, he reported to trainers that he felt soreness in his groin. Johnson received treatment and underwent an MRI exam when he arrived at the stadium.
About two-and-a-half hours before the game, Johnson took the field to work out in front of team officials. After that workout, backup right tackle Jack Driscoll then warmed up next to Cam Jurgens. That signaled that Johnson could be absent.
Johnson exited the Eagles’ October loss to the New York Jets with an ankle injury, and his absence hurt the Eagles throughout the second half of the game. It might not be a coincidence that the Jets game was the Eagles’ loss this season.
In fact, Johnson’s presence might be best understood by how the term performs when he’s not in the lineup. The Eagles are 90-52-1 when Johnson starts (including the postseason) and 13-23 when he’s out (including the postseason).
With Johnson sidelined, look for Driscoll to take his place. Tyler Steen and Fred Johnson are the other options.
There is no word whether Johnson’s groin injury will affect him next week against San Francisco. The fact that Johnson conducted an on-field workout after the MRI could be interpreted that this is not a long-term injury, but more information won’t be available until the week.
Elsewhere on the Eagles’ inactives, they will play without Rasaad Penny, Josiah Scott, Grant Calcaterra, Dallas Goedert, Milton Williams, and Tanner McKee.
Quez Watkins, who was activated to the Eagles’ 53-man roster, will play for the first since October 8. With Calcaterra out, the Eagles elevated Noah Togiai from the practice squad. (They also elevated linebacker Ben Van Sumeren.) The Eagles could also go with more 10 personnel (one running back, no tight ends, four receivers).
