For years, football has been incorrectly labeled as a contact sport. It isn’t. Basketball, soccer, and lacrosse are contact sports. Football is a collision sport. Did you hear that? That’s the sound of Philadelphia Eagles fans cheering for that revelation. Final scores aren’t often remembered, but they’re always remembered when someone from the opposing team gets laid out.
Now, don’t hear what isn’t being said, and don’t read what isn’t being written. No one likes seeing guys get injured. We understand that it’s a constant and possible hazard of the game. No one can attest to this as Jeff Stoutland can. He’s the Eagles’ offensive line coach, and this season alone, he’s had to juggle bodies to cover for some of his starters.
The Eagles’ offensive line takes yet another injury hit.
He’s had to compensate for losing Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, and Lane Johnson at various points of the season. Don’t look now, but Dickerson and Johnson are again injured and missing practice.
More bad news came on Thursday. Fred Johnson was listed as a limited participant for the Eagles’ practice session. Johnson has confirmed that he’ll play.
Eagles OT Fred Johnson (ankle) said he’s playing Sunday against the Raiders.
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) December 12, 2025
Ankle injuries can be tricky. Plus, we’re talking about a guy who stands at six-foot-seven and tips the scales at 326 pounds. Even if Johnson plays, it stands to reason that he won’t be 100% healthy. That certainly isn’t optimal for anyone who’s been keeping track of Philadelphia’s suddenly substandard O-line play.
Fred Johnson is one of the game’s better swing tackles. No one denied he’d be missed when he left the Eagles during free agency. Everyone cheered when Howie Roseman made a trade to reacquire him. Now, everyone is paying attention to his injured ankle. The Eagles certainly need him in Week 15. The questions are about how effective they can expect him to be.
Philadelphia also announced the activation of Cameron Williams’ practice window, so stay tuned. News of his elevation to the 53-man roster may be coming.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Fred Johnson to play despite suffering ankle injury in practice
