Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson has been one of the league's best offensive lineman for the past decade. But after ending last season on injured reserve, his 2026 campaign is not off to a great start.
Per ProFootballTalk, Johnson is currently not practicing and it's not believed to be an injury issue either. His absence from today's practice marked his third straight day without stepping onto the field. Johnson has reportedly been excused from practice with a non-injury designation.
Of course, it could be nothing. Johnson is 36 years of age and probably doesn't need the same amount of pre-season preparation that his far younger teammates do. On the other hand, there's always some cause for concern when a reason isn't given for an absence.
Concerns?
When fans don't have info, their minds tend to wander to the worst places and that seems to be the case right now as some Eagles fans worry that there's something bad going on in his family or with his mental health.
"I hope everything is ok with him and his family," one user wrote.
"Last time this happen it was due to depression.. @LaneJohnson65 hope thats not the case this time," wrote another.
"This is now a 3rd straight practice with no Lane Johnson. Should we be concerned or no? Hope he’s alright!" a third said.
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The Eagles have been at their best when Johnson is healthy and understandably so. Of the six Pro Bowl seasons Johnson has had, the Eagles have gone all the way to the Super Bowl in three of them.
Whether or not Johnson's absence is personal or family-related, it's going to be next man up for the time being. That next man is rookie third-round pick Markel Bell, who served as a starting left tackle for the Miami Hurricanes in two straight seasons.
At worst, Bell will get some valuable first-team reps earlier than expected.
