Philadelphia Eagles were bracing for bad news after two-time All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson went down with an apparent left ankle injury in the first half of Monday night’s game in Green Bay.
Fortunately, he was able to return early in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field as the Eagles left Green Bay with a 10-7 victory.
The massive 35-year-old was blocking for Eagles running back Saquon Barkley when Packers safety Evan Williams came crashing down on Johnson’s left leg.
Johnson was seen limping off the field before being taken to a cart and driven to the locker room. The Eagles initially listed him as ‘questionable’ to return and backup Fred Johnson was in at right tackle in place of Johnson during the third quarter.
Remarkably, the Eagles built their 10-7 lead with Johnson sidelined in the third.
He previously had surgery on his left ankle back in August of 2020, causing him to miss the season opener and two other games that year. So fans were understandably relieved to see him back on the field in the fourth.
Johnson was seen limping off the field before being taken to a cart and driven to the locker room. The Eagles initially listed him as ‘questionable’ to return
The massive 35-year-old was blocking for Eagles running back Saquon Barkley when Packers safety Evan Williams came crashing down on Johnson’s left ankle
‘Lane Johnson is such a warrior man,’ one fan remarked on X.
Another added: ‘Lane Johnson is half man, half grizzly bear.’
One fan gave Johnson the ultimate compliment, writing: ‘Lane Johnson is the greatest offensive lineman in Philadelphia Eagles history. And yes that includes Kelce and Jason Peters.’
Along with converted rugby star Jordan Mailata, Johnson has helped to give the Eagles one of the best pairs of starting offensive tackles in the NFL.
A native Texan and former Oklahoma star, Johnson is a six-time Pro Bowl selection who has won two Super Bowls in his 13-year career, all of which has been spent with Philadelphia.