Eagles head coach Doug Pederson just let us know that there’s a good chance offensive tackle Lane Johnson and punt returner/running back Darren Sproles will both be in action when the Birds host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night.
The Johnson news was a shocker because he supposedly was sidelined with a fairly serious level two MCL sprain. Players with that type of injury normally miss three or four games. For Johnson to be expected to be going back out there to compete this Sunday is astounding. He injured his leg about a week and half ago and he’s already practicing.
You can expect to see both Johnson and Sproles playing the same roles that they played earlier this season. Pederson took some time to focus on the toughness of Johnson. He said the big tackle is willing to push himself and his body to make sure he’s out there when they need him.
Regarding the veteran Sproles, they’ve taken their time with him, but they expect him to be that same old pain in the neck to opposing defenses on third downs. Sproles will also be the punt returner and everybody was tipped off to that with the release of DeAndre Carter.
He wasn’t nearly as enthusiastic or sure about defensive tackle Tim Jernigan, or cornerbacks Sidney Jones or Jalen Mills being able to play this Sunday night. He talked about taking his time with Jernigan, who hasn’t practiced or played all year. He did workout with the team on Monday. It’s only been about a week since Jernigan’s name has even been mentioned with regard to returning to action. For most of the season he’s been the invisible man, even though I have seen him in the Eagles locker room. He’s been very quiet and there’s been little talk about him since early in the offseason, when he was said to be sidelined with a back injury.
As for Jones and Mills, Pederson said they’re going to be week-to-week with regards to their recovery and return to the field. Jones has a strained hamstring, while Mills has been sidelined with an injury to his foot.
Good to hear the Eagles are getting and close to getting some key players back. The Lane Johnson injury…hmmm, he’s playing already. I hope he doesn’t injure it any further and can effectiively pass block.