Is Philadelphia Eagles legend Lane Johnson going to play against the San Francisco 49ers?
Philadelphia Eagles icon Lane Johnson is considered a true game-time decision for Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo reported.
Johnson hasn't played since Week 11 because of a Lisfranc sprain.
Since the start of the 2016 season, the Eagles are 96-41-1 when Johnson starts. They're 15-27 when Johnson doesn't start, including 3-4 this season.
Johnson appeared in 10 games during the regular season. He got hurt in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions but was never placed on injured reserve.
"Lane's a big difference maker and I know he is working crazy to get himself back and we will see where that is this week," Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said. "But he's a difference maker. ... He's one of the best that's ever done it. I think I kind of get too much into scheme with that. But yeah, he allows you to do some different things."
The Eagles are looking to repeat as Super Bowl champions. They will not accomplish that goal without Johnson in the lineup.
A future Hall of Famer, Johnson is a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Eagles. It will be fascinating to see if Philadelphia can win it all again this season. For that to happen, the offense has to wake up.
"The playoffs are fun, man, fun," Eagles WR DeVonta Smith said. "It's kind of the thrill that you get knowing that it's win or go home. I like the thrill of it and I like what's at stake. The games are a little different – the weather is changing a little bit, it's a lot colder and I would say people are more amped up a little bit, maybe.
"You don't try to make it more than what it is. You don't try to get overhyped. It's the reason why you play this game."
The Eagles were 19th in the NFL in points per game and fifth in points per game allowed during the regular season. They went 11-6 and won the NFC East again.
All eyes will be on QB Jalen Hurts in the 49ers game. If Hurts doesn't play like a superstar in the playoffs, the Eagles will not repeat as Super Bowl champions. The dual-threat QB needs to make quick decisions and get the ball in the hands of his playmakers in open space.