Right tackle Lane Johnson remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol as the Eagles (6-0) returned to work Wednesday in preparation for Sunday’s game against Pittsburgh (2-5).
That caused a little angst pre-practice because it’s been 10 days since Johnson suffered a head injury against the Dallas Cowboys but the team’s bye week skewed the process.
Some big hitters including Lane Johnson #Eagles pic.twitter.com/NNf91tLJNQ
— John McMullen (@JFMcMullen) October 26, 2022
Johnson was out at practice taking mental reps as Jack Driscoll worked with the No. 1s at RT in individual drills, something that’s a very good sign when it comes to Johnson advancing through the fourth phase of the concussion protocol by Sunday’s game.
“He’s still in the protocol. We’ll see how it goes,” coach Nick Sirianni said before pivoting toward a more optimistic slant, “we’re hopeful everybody can play [against the Steelers].”
The fact that Johnson was out at practice means he’s in that fourth and final phase of the league’s concussion protocol, which allows players to participate in non-contact team football activities. If Johnson gets through that without experiencing any further symptoms and is cleared by an independent neurologist, he will be able to play.
Lane Johnson with the mental rep. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/CbbIyptdZH
— John McMullen (@JFMcMullen) October 26, 2022
Johnson, 32, was replaced by Jack Driscoll at RT late in the second quarter in the 26-17 win over Dallas in Week 6. Driscoll would start at RT against Pittsburgh if Johnson is not available.
One of the best OTs in football, Johnson has been graded out as No. 10 of 77 by Pro Football Focus so far and has been even better as a pass protector at No. 4.
