The Eagles Offensive line has been battered and bruised in recent weeks, but help is finally on the way. Franchise right tackle Lane Johnson is set to return from his suspension this week and Doug Pederson has already affirmed that he will be starting against the Giants.
Pederson said he hasn't seen Lane Johnson yet but is starting him because of the other injuries on the line. #Eagles
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) December 19, 2016
Lane Johnson is in the building but Pederson hasn't talked to him and doesn't know what kind of shape he's in. "I'm sure he worked out."
— Reuben Frank (@RoobNBCS) December 19, 2016
Johnson hasn’t played an NFL game since the week 5 loss to Detroit and has not been inside the NovaCare Complex since. Johnson may have to shake off some rust on Thursday Night, but as Doug Pederson mentioned, injuries on the line may have forced his hand.
Vaitai is still injured and Isaac Seumalo suffered a high ankle sprain against the Ravens while the Head Coach is non-committal on whether Barbre will start at left tackle.
Lane faced a 10-game suspension this season for his second PED violation. The Eagles O-Line has been wobbly ever since his departure and after an early Bye-Week has left the birds climbing an even taller mountain, his arrival could not have come at a better time.
The Eagles need all the help they can get on a wounded O-Line and Lane Johnson is debatably one of the most consistent right tackle’s in the league. His presence should bolster the front and give Carson Wentz some extra breathing room, but just how much impact will the return of Johnson make?
