PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Eagles have lost one of their top offensive linemen for the remainder of the season.
Lane Johnson had been able to take the field for most of the 2020 season despite dealing with a painful ankle injury. The right tackle did miss some games and was unable to finish others, but he was still able to get on the field for a good portion of the 2020 campaign.
However, the damage to Johnson's ankle continues to limit his ability to play at a high level, so the veteran lineman's 2020 season is over.
"I kind of knew this was going to be a difficult process trying to play," said Johnson. "We were making really good progress at times, and then football’s football, is it what it is. Things happen and that’s really where I’m at."
Johnson was a regular as a rehab patient at the NovaCare Complex. At times, it appeared Johnson's condition was improving and he would be able to make it through the rest of the season.
However, the damage is severe enough that Johnson will need another surgical procedure.
"It is what it is," Johnson said. "As far as rehab, we’ve done everything we could.”
It’s been a difficult year for the Eagles, and their offensive line has been decimated by injuries.
Jason Kelce is the only Eagles starter on the offensive line who has made it through the entire season despite dealing with an elbow injury suffered last Sunday.
Johnson now will be forced to watch from the sidelines as Matt Pryor takes his place at right tackle.
"You get paid a contract to play like one of the best tackles in the league," said Johnson. "You go out there and you can’t finish games and you’re not out there, so as far as being a setback, that’s what it is."
Now that Johnson's 2020 season is over, he is looking ahead to 2021. After dealing with the injury for two years, Johnson is hoping another surgery as well as some time off will get him to a point where he is finally completely healthy.
"It’s been frustrating," Johnson said. "I just want to get back healthy, 100%, and not think about it and then just play ball and move on from there, which is something that’s been difficult for me this year."