Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson will miss Sunday’s game against the Bills due to a groin injury.
Johnson, 33, needed treatment after waking up in pain on Sunday morning and also had an MRI scan this morning. He was officially downgraded to ‘doubtful’ and ruled out hours before kick-off.
Johnson was on the field to test that groin in front of trainers and staff, but was unable to go. However, the fact that Johnson was able to have his groin examined after an MRI seems to suggest that the injury is not too serious. We’ll find out this week if Johnson is able to return to practice as the Eagles prepare for another important game against the 49ers.
Without Johnson, the Eagles will likely rely on backup Jack Driscoll, who struggled in Johnson’s place during the loss to the Jets earlier this season. Since the start of the 2016 season, the Eagles are 10-22 without Johnson in the lineup.
Below is a list of suspended players for the Eagles’ game against the Bills.
RT Lane Johnson (groin)
TE Dallas Goedert (forearm)
DT Milton Williams (concussion)
TE Grant Calcaterra (Ankle)
QB Tanner McKee
CB Josiah Scott
RB Rashard Penny
Wide receiver Kes Watkins, who missed the last five games on Injured Reserve with a hamstring injury, is scheduled to return Sunday against the Bills.
Watkins will officially participate in this game after being re-added to the 53-man roster on Saturday. He was one of six receivers to play in the game, along with AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, Olamide Zachias, Julio Jones and Britten Covey.
Williams played very well against the Chiefs on Monday night before suffering the concussion. The Eagles will be without him for this game because the short week didn’t allow him enough time to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Without Williams, the Eagles are using seventh-round pick Ojomo for this game. The rookie from Texas appeared in just two games all season and played just nine games on defense.
Goedert fractured his forearm in the game against the Cowboys before the bye week and will miss his second consecutive game. There’s a reason the Eagles didn’t put him on IR. They hope he returns within four games, meaning he could be back next week against the 49ers or the following week when the Eagles travel to North Texas to play the Cowboys. There is.
Linebacker Ben VanSmeren and tight end Noah Togiai were promoted from the practice squad on Saturday and are active for this game. This will be Van Smelen’s third and final promotion, while Togiai’s first ascent of the season.