Fred Johnson is no stranger to the physical demands of the NFL. The Philadelphia Eagles' left tackle found himself at the center of a dramatic collision with Jacksonville Jaguars' Andre Cisco, casting a shadow over an otherwise thrilling game. On Jalen Hurts' 18-yard touchdown run, an unfortunate collision left Johnson momentarily sidelined but determined to return to the action.
A Close Call on the Field
During the high-octane matchup against the Jaguars, an accidental clash with Cisco left Johnson nursing a bruised knee. In the heat of the moment, Cisco was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct—a call some deemed questionable, given the nature of the collision. Despite the intense impact, Johnson’s resilience saw him miss just one play, demonstrating his dedication and grit by returning to see out the remainder of the game.
Reflecting on the incident, Johnson shared his concerns about the severity of the hit. "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," he explained. This defensive maneuver possibly prevented a more serious injury. Doctors informed him that had his foot been planted during the collision, it could have resulted in a season-ending injury. "They said if my foot was planted, I could have been out for the year," he noted, highlighting the precarious nature of the incident.
Looking Forward: Tough Decisions Ahead
Despite the scare, Johnson remains upbeat about his prospects for the upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys, a crucial fixture for the Eagles. "Yeah, I feel good about Sunday," he stated, exuding optimism about his recovery and his ability to contribute on the field. While his return is eagerly anticipated, should Johnson be unable to participate, Tyler Steen is poised to step up as the primary backup option at left tackle. Meanwhile, Jordan Mailata's imminent return from injured reserve adds a layer of depth to the Eagles’ lineup, promising head coach Nick Sirianni more flexibility in managing his offensive line.
Intriguingly, Mekhi Becton has been making strides at the left tackle position, further solidifying the team's options. The Eagles, known for their robust roster, are well equipped to handle unforeseen challenges, whether through promoting emerging talent like Steen and Becton or relying on stalwarts like Mailata.
A Broader Concern: League Safety Protocols
Beyond his immediate concerns, Johnson has been vocal about the league's handling of fines related to potentially dangerous plays. "Anyone know if he got fined?" he queried, referencing Cisco's penalty. His comments imply growing discontent among players about the enforcement of safety regulations, particularly in the aftermath of hard hits. "If not, we need to talk to the league. It hurts," Johnson added, urging the NFL to pay closer attention to player safety and the repercussions of on-field incidents.
As the Eagles prepare for their clash with the Cowboys, Johnson's experience underscores the high stakes athletes face weekly. His focus remains on healing and helping his team push through the season. With a cautiously optimistic approach and a team ready to rally, the Eagles community remains hopeful for a seamless recovery and a triumphant return to form.