The Philadelphia Eagles are navigating significant injury concerns as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football. Notably, right tackle Lane Johnson was absent from practice on Thursday, marking a troubling development for the team. Johnson has not participated in the last two games due to a Lisfranc sprain sustained against the Detroit Lions on November 16.
Head Coach Nick Sirianni addressed the media regarding the implications of Johnson’s absence. The Eagles opted not to place Johnson on Injured Reserve, aiming for a return within the four-week window that would have followed such a move. However, with Johnson now missing the start of a new week, speculation mounts about his availability for the matchup against the Chargers.
If Johnson is unable to play, veteran Fred Johnson is expected to make his third consecutive start in his place. The Eagles will also have to contend with the absence of defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who underwent procedures on both shoulders earlier this week. He has been ruled out for the game and is considered week-to-week in his recovery.
Another player in the spotlight is receiver and punt returner Xavier Gipson, who returned to practice after missing the previous game against the Chicago Bears due to an injury sustained in Dallas. Gipson is currently dealing with an AC joint sprain. In his absence last week, the Eagles promoted Britain Covey to the 53-man roster to fulfill punt return duties.
In a more positive development, safety Marcus Epps has returned to practice following the opening of his practice window earlier this week. Epps missed the last four games but, according to Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio, he is expected to be ready for action against the Chargers. His return could provide much-needed stability to the Eagles’ defense, especially after rookie Drew Mukuba struggled in his absence.
As the Eagles prepare for this crucial game in Los Angeles, the impact of these injuries will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. The team’s ability to adapt in the face of adversity will be put to the test on Monday night as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the league.
