The Philadelphia Eagles appear to be getting healthy at the perfect time as the offensive line continues to return to full strength ahead of a pivotal Week 18 matchup. Philly still has an outside chance of grabbing the NFC's No. 2 seed, making it clear the importance of a game. The Athletic's Zach Berm reported that Lane Johnson was in uniform and pictured the tackle on the practice field on Friday. This is great news as the Eagles badly need to enter the 2025 playoffs healthy in the trenches.
If there is a path to Philly defending its 2024 Super Bowl run, it is imitating exactly what they did a season ago by dominating along both lines of scrimmage. This was evidenced by the defense sacking Patrick Mahomes six times in a Super Bowl blowout win, or the offensive line buying time for Jalen Hurts to pass for over 200 yards, including hitting early deep shots to put the game out of reach. Adding to this is the physicality up front that allowed Hurts to set the Super Bowl record for rushing yards by a QB with 72.
All of this adds up to Johnson's return being incredibly impactful, with the tackle only managing to play 10 games in the 2025 season. A frustration that is going to be easily forgotten if the Eagles can again win the NFC and prove they are starting a dynasty of their own after dismantling the Chiefs a season ago.
Eagles Tackle Lane Johnson Returns to Practice Ahead of Philly's Hopeful Playoff Run
Philadelphia's best path to returning to and winning the Super Bowl is to rely on its offensive line and pass rush to bully its way through the bracket. This obviously isn't possible if Johnson isn't in the starting lineup. Fred Johnson started in Lane's place when the starter missed time and clearly wasn't close to the standard of dominance that the Eagles have previously established.
This was evidenced by 16 pressures surrendered and a 57.4 Pro Football Focus run blocking grade. It cannot be understated just how significant an upgrade it is to have Lane back in the lineup and how much it bolsters the potential of another deep playoff run.
Philadelphia has all of the necessary pieces and can take advantage of a playoff field that has never been more wide open. The bulk of the playoff teams are inexperienced, with the Eagles and Los Angeles Rams being the only NFC teams in the bracket to have any recent successful run.
When in the starting lineup, L. Johnson has given up zero sacks and only 7 pressures, pointing to the incredible stability the tackle offers. Adding to this is the fact that Johnson is a superior run blocker and should boost the Tush-Push play and overall run game success. Providing Eagles fans even more of a reason for excitement ahead of a pivotal Week 18 matchup.