Philadelphia didn’t practice on Christmas Day, but Lane Johnson and A.J. Brown (tooth) would have been among the four non-participants
The Eagles clinched their second consecutive NFC East championship on Saturday night, something that hasn’t been done in the division since the Eagles did it in 2003-04. They have now started preparation for a monster matchup against the Buffalo Bills, and they’re hoping to have two All-Pro performers back in the lineup.
On Sunday, Adam Schefter reported that Lane Johnson (ankle) and Jalen Carter (shoulders) are set to return to the lineup after missing multiple weeks. Carter missed his third straight game after a nonsurgical procedure on both of his shoulders. Johnson missed his fifth straight with a Lisfranc sprain in his foot despite initial thoughts that he’d return for Week 15.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, Carter participated in the first two practices of the week, while Johnson had yet to make his return. The team didn’t practice on Thursday, and Johnson would have been among the four players who were not participants. Nakobe Dean has a hamstring injury, Johnson has the Lisfranc injury, Landon Dickerson was sick, and A.J. Brown may not practice this week after having his wisdom teeth removed for a second time.
Linebacker Zack Baun (hand), linebacker Jihaad Campbell (back/ankle), Jalen Carter (shoulders), offensive tackle Fred Johnson (calf), tight end Cameron Latu (stinger), wide receiver DeVonta Smith (illness), and rookie offensive tackle Cameron Williams (shoulder) would have all been full participants.
Carter is the Eagles‘ lone Pro Bowl starter. In 10 games this season, he has 32 tackles, 11 quarterback hits, and two sacks. Carter has dealt with injuries this season.
Carter will return to uplift a defense that’s been among the NFL’s best since the bye week, while Philadelphia’s offense is finally settling on an identity with the playoffs right around the corner. Running back Saquon Barkley finished with 132 yards on 21 carries. It was Barkley’s third game this season with 100 or more yards, and two have come in the last three games.
A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith have found their rhythm on the outside, while Dallas Goedert tied the franchise record for touchdowns in a season by a tight end.