PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It took a long bus ride to sideline one of the Eagles best players.
Tackle Lane Johnson has been dealing with a high ankle sprain since suffering the injury during a training camp scrimmage.
Johnson has been a true warrior during his time with the Eagles and was hoping to play in last Sunday's season opener. However, the Saturday night trip to the nation's capital forced Johnson out of the lineup against Washington.
"I was really pushing last week," said Johnson. "Really, the swelling was a big issue."
Johnson was forced to watch from the sidelines as quarterback Carson Wentz was sacked eight times in the loss.
It's been a difficult start to the season for the offensive line, with Brandon Brooks and Andre Dillard suffering injuries that ended their time on the field in 2020. However, Johnson feels well enough to return on Sunday when the Eagles host the Rams at the Linc.
"I won't be 100%," Johnson said. "I'll be able to play as long as I'm not feeling pain."
It was no doubt frustrating for Johnson to watch his quarterback under duress throughout the entire game last Sunday, as one of the big reasons why Wentz was sacked so many times was the lack of a productive running game to keep the Washington defense off-balance.
Johnson knows that will have to change this Sunday against the Rams.
"I don't think we ran the ball very effectively," said Johnson. "My mindset is if we can take the pressure off the passing game, if we can run the ball effectively, that makes the team a lot better."
Johnson will still be dealing with his injury, but the veteran tackle is happy to be back on the field.
The feeling is mutual from the coaching staff and his teammates.
"I'm just fired up to play," Johnson said. "I'm fired up to be around my guys. I'm just glad to be out there on the field. That's really my main focus and to get a win."
