Fred Johnson Returns After Scare Against Jaguars
Philadelphia Eagles' left tackle Fred Johnson faced a challenging moment this past weekend during a confrontation with the Jacksonville Jaguars, which left fans and teammates holding their breath. During an 18-yard touchdown run by Jalen Hurts, Johnson was involved in a collision with Jaguars safety Andre Cisco, leaving the talented lineman momentarily sidelined. The incident scarcely marred the Eagles' victory but raised concerns about Johnson's fitness for upcoming matches.
The collision occurred as Cisco's knee made contact with Johnson in a play that garnered unsportsmanlike conduct from the officials. Reflecting on the incident, Johnson remarked, "That hit could have been way worse than what it looked like on film. I just seen him drop and I like lifted up my leg trying like to fall over him." Despite its apparent severity, Johnson missed only one play before rejoining his team, a testament to his resilience and the Eagles’ medical team's swift action.
Rolled Yet Resilient
In the wake of the collision, Johnson expressed his feelings about the hit's potential impact, stating, "They said if my foot was planted, I could have been out for the year." His quick thinking and reflexes, it seems, may have spared him from a season-ending injury, a fact not lost on his teammates and coaches who continue to rely on his stalwart presence on the line.
Fred Johnson also raised concerns about the consequences of such hits, not just for himself but for players across the league. He wondered aloud, "Anyone know if he got fined? If not, we need to talk to the league. It hurts." Johnson's question points to broader concerns about the enforcement of penalties against dangerous plays and their deterrent effect in the future.
Looking Ahead
As the Eagles prepare for their upcoming clash with the Dallas Cowboys, Johnson's participation remains a topic of interest. He conveyed optimism about his readiness, stating, "Yeah, I feel good about Sunday," and added, "It's leaning toward that way," suggesting strong chances of him suiting up for one of the most anticipated divisional matchups of the season.
Johnson's potential absence could pave the way for Tyler Steen, the Eagles' primary backup option for left tackle, though the returning Jordan Mailata from injured reserve could also influence lineup decisions. Meanwhile, Mekhi Becton has been garnering experience in the position, bolstering the team's depth and adaptability.
The Eagles were unable to capitalize on the penalty against Cisco with a successful two-point conversion, a minor blemish on an otherwise favorable game outcome. Still, the bigger picture remains focused on Johnson's health and well-being as Philadelphia holds its collective breath, hoping for his steadfast presence on the field against the Cowboys.
Concluding Thoughts
As the Eagles advance through the season, attention will linger on the league’s handling of such incidents and its long-term repercussions for player safety. For Fred Johnson, the priority is to get back to full strength while continuing to lead the Eagles' charge in what promises to be an exhilarating season. With the Cowboys just around the corner, Johnson's resilience and readiness remain a beacon of hope for Philadelphia and its passionate fan base.