R1 PHILADELPHIA DROPS A BOMBSHELL — AND THE LANE JOHNSON UPDATE JUST CHANGED EVERYTHING

The Philadelphia Eagles received a massive boost on Wednesday. 

All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson returned to practice, signaling a potential comeback just days before Sunday’s NFC Wild Card matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. 

As Sports Illustrated noted, NFL insider Ian Rapoport summed it up simply on social media: a return for Lane Johnson.  

Eagles Get Huge Injury News on Lane Johnson at the Perfect TimeAfter missing the final seven games of the regular season with a painful Lisfranc sprain in his foot, Johnson suiting up for practice is very encouraging. 

It represents the clearest sign yet that the Eagles’ franchise cornerstone could be back when it matters most. 

The 35-year-old right tackle suffered the injury in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions. 

This injury initially raised doubts about whether he would be able to return at all this season

Wednesday marked his first on-field participation in practice, which instantly changed the tone of Philly’s playoff outlook. 

Head coach Nick Sirianni stopped short of guaranteeing Johnson would play Sunday but all signs point to the direction. 

His message was clear: if Lane is available, it changes everything.

A Season Defined by Pain and Persistence

Johnson’s 2025 season has been a test of durability even by his standards.

Before the Lisfranc injury, he had already been managing lingering neck and back issues.

He had to push through pain and discomfort just to stay in the lineup. 

Once the foot injury occurred in mid-November, the Eagles were forced to shut him down, knowing the long-term risks associated with rushing a lineman back from that type of injury. 

Philadelphia leaned on veteran Fred Johnson at right tackle during Lane’s absence. 

But his absence was felt as the Eagles went 3-4 down the stretch.

While the Eagles remained competitive, the offense clearly lacked the stability and edge it has when Johnson plays. 

Throughout his rehab, Johnson made it clear that a playoff return was the goal. 

And Wednesday’s practice appearance suggests that goal is now within reach. 

Why Johnson’s Return Changes Everything

Few players in the NFL have as big of an impact on their team as Lane Johnson. 

The numbers are staggering:

The Eagles are 110-57-1 all-time when he plays, compared to just 18-27 when he doesn’t. 

His presence elevates every part of the offense. 

The run game benefits from his elite blocking on the edge, while the passing attack gains crucial protection for Jalen Hurts. 

The tush push even adds a different dimension when Johnson is in the lineup as the Eagles have struggled on that play without him. 

Sirianni knows how valuable Johnson is, calling him “one of the best who’s ever done it.”

As valuable as his play is, what the team has probably missed the most in his absence is his leadership. 

His leadership instills confidence in the entire offense when he’s on the field and he sets the tone in the trenches. 

With the playoffs beginning and the margin for error gone, getting Johnson back could provide stability for an Eagles team still chasing the same ultimate goal as last season. 

Philadelphia hasn’t been quite as dominant as it was a year ago, but the expectations in and outside the building haven’t changed.

If Wednesday’s practice is any indication, Johnson’s potential return could be the spark that helps steady the offense as the Eagles look to win back-to-back Super Bowls.