Eagles’ Lane Johnson Expected to Return for 49ers Playoff Matchup
The Philadelphia Eagles, entering the playoffs as the No. 3 seed, may receive a significant boost with the potential return of veteran right tackle Lane Johnson for their wild-card game against the San Francisco 49ers. According to Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Jeff McLane, Johnson is expected to resume practice on Wednesday as he recovers from a Lisfranc foot injury sustained during a November game against the Detroit Lions. This development puts Johnson on a promising path to participate in Sunday’s playoff matchup, though the team will carefully evaluate his condition before making a final decision. With only four days between his practice return and the game, Johnson’s recovery timeline remains tight, but his potential comeback could prove crucial for Philadelphia’s postseason aspirations.
Johnson’s importance to the Eagles cannot be overstated, as evidenced by the team’s performance with and without him on the field. During the seven games Johnson missed with his foot injury, Philadelphia posted a disappointing 3-4 record. More tellingly, the Eagles have gone just 18-28 in games where Johnson has been unavailable throughout his career. His playoff presence has been particularly significant – he missed only one postseason game in 2020 (a loss to the Seattle Seahawks), and last year, he postponed surgery on a different injury to help propel the Eagles to the Super Bowl. Johnson has consistently served as a cornerstone for Philadelphia during their playoff runs, providing stability and elite protection on the offensive line when the stakes are highest.
The timing of Johnson’s potential return couldn’t be better for Philadelphia, as the team emerged from their season finale against the Washington Commanders with minimal injuries. This outcome validated head coach Nick Sirianni’s decision to rest many starters in that game, allowing the Eagles to enter the postseason relatively healthy. Johnson’s return would bolster an offensive line that will need to be at full strength against San Francisco’s typically formidable defensive front. The Eagles have historically relied on strong offensive line play during their successful postseason campaigns, and Johnson’s presence would significantly enhance their chances of establishing an effective ground game and providing adequate protection for quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Meanwhile, the 49ers are dealing with several key injuries on defense as they prepare for Sunday’s contest. Linebacker Tatum Bethune has suffered a season-ending groin injury, while veteran linebacker Fred Warner is expected to remain sidelined until potentially the NFC Championship game. Additionally, linebackers Dee Winters and Luke Gifford are listed as day-to-day with their respective injuries. The 49ers’ injury concerns aren’t limited to defense, as star left tackle Trent Williams and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall both missed Week 18 and their status remains uncertain for the playoff matchup. These injuries could significantly impact San Francisco’s defensive strategy and offensive capabilities in what promises to be a highly competitive game.
The matchup between the Eagles and 49ers brings added intrigue as it represents a rematch of the 2022 NFC Championship game, which Philadelphia won convincingly on their way to a Super Bowl appearance. Both teams have undergone changes since that meeting, but the core elements that made them conference contenders remain largely intact. For the Eagles specifically, establishing a strong running game will be essential to their game plan, making Johnson’s potential return even more valuable. His presence would strengthen the right side of the offensive line, potentially creating more running lanes and providing better protection against the 49ers’ pass rush, which despite injuries, remains a formidable unit.
As Sunday’s 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on Johnson’s progress during practice sessions. His recovery journey represents the determination and resilience that define playoff football – a veteran player pushing through pain and rehabilitation to return for the most important games of the season. For Philadelphia fans, Johnson’s potential comeback symbolizes hope that their team can recapture the magic of recent playoff runs. The Eagles will need to capitalize on their relatively healthy roster against a banged-up 49ers team if they hope to advance in the postseason. This wild-card matchup between two recent NFC powerhouses promises to be one of the most compelling games of the opening playoff round, with Johnson’s status serving as a crucial subplot in this renewed rivalry.
