Jalen Hurts, Eagles Dealt Unfortunate News

When the Eagles announced their inactives shortly before the 4:30 p.m. ET kick off at Lincoln Financial Field, Johnson was ruled out. The 35-year-old was the 18th-ranked tackle out of 80 qualifiers this season, according to PFF. He earned a 77.4 overall grade and the 10th-best pass-blocking grade (80.4).

Fred Johnson is the backup right tackle. He has started eight games and played in all 17 during the 2025 season. Despite that experience, the 28-year-old represents a clear downgrade for Hurts and the rest of the Philadelphia offense.

“Obviously Lane’s a phenomenal football player,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said after Johnson returned to practice. “Anytime he’s on the field, you’re pumped about that."

"He’s continuing to grind through,” Sirianni continued. “He’s a warrior. He does everything he can possibly do to be out there with us."

That will not be the case for the opening round of the playoffs. The Eagles are also missing offensive lineman Brett Toth (concussion), Miles Hinton (back) and Willie Lampkin (knee) against the 49ers.

The rotating group in the trenches all season has been a constant struggle for Hurts, but he has stayed relatively clean in the passing game. Hurts' numbers of 3,224 passing yards and 25 touchdowns are improved from 2024, while he has been sacked six less times.

Changes up front have had a larger effect on the running game, where the Eagles are averaging 116.9 rushing yards per game. Last season, star running back Saquon Barkley averaged 125.3 rushing yards per game by himself with a healthier group on the offensive line.

It will be a blow for Hurts and the offense on Sunday, but the Eagles have played without Johnson this season. If they manage to beat the 49ers, they will face the No. 2 Chicago Bears on the road in the NFC divisional round next weekend.