Eagles vs. 49ers Injury Update: Lane Johnson Out, Trent Williams Active
The official inactive reports are in for Sunday’s matchup, and the news brings a major shakeup to the trenches. The Philadelphia Eagles confirmed that veteran right tackle Lane Johnson is out, while the San Francisco 49ers received positive news with Trent Williams listed as active.
These roster moves immediately change the complexion of the game. With an All-Pro caliber tackle sidelined for Philadelphia and another returning for San Francisco, the battle at the line of scrimmage just got a lot more interesting. Here is a breakdown of who is playing, who is sitting, and how this impacts the game plan.
Lane Johnson Sidelined for Eighth Straight Game
Eagles fans hoping for a playoff boost received tough news before kickoff. Lane Johnson remains out with a lingering foot injury that has plagued him for months.
This marks the eighth consecutive game Johnson will miss. The injury kept him out of the final seven games of the regular season, and despite being listed as a limited participant in practice this week, he couldn’t get the green light for game day.
His absence forces the Eagles to lean on their depth. Fred Johnson is expected to step into the starting lineup at right tackle. While the team has had time to prepare for this scenario, replacing a cornerstone player like Johnson against a formidable San Francisco front is a tall order.
Trent Williams Returns for San Francisco
On the other sideline, the 49ers welcome back their anchor. Trent Williams is active and ready to go after dealing with a hamstring issue.
Williams missed Week 18, raising questions about his availability for the postseason run. However, the 49ers cleared him to return, giving their offensive line a significant boost. His presence stabilizes the left side of the line, influencing both pass protection lanes and run fits. The 49ers emphasized his readiness throughout the week, and his active status confirms he is good to go.
Full Inactives List
Beyond the headline names on the offensive line, both teams ruled out several other players ahead of kickoff.
Philadelphia Eagles Inactives:
- Lane Johnson (OT)
- Joshua Uche (Edge)
- Sam Howell (QB)
- Jakorian Bennett (CB)
- A.J. Dillon (RB)
- Brett Toth (OL)
- Ty Robinson (DL)
San Francisco 49ers Inactives:
- Luke Gifford (LB)
- Ricky Pearsall (WR)
- Dee Winters (LB)
- Kevin Givens (DT)
- Jordan Watkins (WR)
- Chase Lucas (CB)
- Isaac Guerendo (RB)
Tactical Impact: What to Watch
The swap of Johnson for Johnson is the key tactical storyline of this game. Analysts and fans on social media immediately flagged this as a potential mismatch.
Eagles Adjustments
With Fred Johnson stepping in, expect Philadelphia to alter its protection schemes. The coaching staff will likely simplify pass protections to give Jackson help. We might see:
- Running backs chipping edge rushers before releasing into routes.
- Tight ends staying in to block more frequently.
- A reliance on a quick passing game to negate the pass rush.
49ers Advantage
For San Francisco, having Williams back allows them to run their standard offense without limitations. Defensively, they will likely test Jackson early and often. If the 49ers can generate pressure from the right side without blitzing, it could be a long day for the Eagles’ passing attack.
Looking Ahead
The immediate focus is on how Philadelphia manages the pocket without its star tackle. If the Eagles manage to advance past San Francisco, the conversation will shift back to Johnson’s recovery timeline. Missing eight straight games suggests the team is taking a highly cautious approach, and his status will depend entirely on how his foot responds to rehabilitation.
For now, the Eagles have to survive and advance with the lineup they have. Keep an eye on the snap counts and postgame comments to see how the coaches felt the offensive line held up under pressure.
