Will Lane Johnson Go on IR? Latest Timeline for Return to Eagles amid Foot Injury

Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson has a "good chance" of missing fewer than four games while recovering from the Lisfranc injury in his right foot, the Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane reported Saturday.

Johnson, who has not been placed on injured reserve, suffered the injury during the Eagles' Week 11 win over the Detroit Lions.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport initially reported that Johnson was expected to miss between four and six weeks with the injury.

That timeline changed after X-rays revealed Johnson's injury will not necessitate surgery, according to McLane.

Had Johnson been placed on IR, he would have been able to return at the earliest for a Week 16 matchup at the Washington Commanders on Dec. 20.

Philadelphia could now be hoping to get him back earlier. After facing the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, the Eagles have games against the Chicago Bears (Nov. 28), Los Angeles Chargers (Dec. 8) and Las Vegas Raiders (Dec. 14).

Whatever his precise return date, it sounds like the Eagles are hoping to have Johnson back in time for the playoffs.

The Eagles (8-2) currently hold a commanding lead over the NFC East, but they're deadlocked with the Los Angeles Rams (8-2) for the NFC lead.

In order to continue vying for a first-round bye, the Eagles will need some big performances from Fred Johnson, who spent some time filling in for an injured Jordan Mailata last season and will be expected to start in the short term.

Mailata said earlier this week his new partner has been paying more "attention to the game plan" since his last starting stint with the Eagles.

"Wanted to know what plays he's going to be in on, or what plays are different from the week before that we aren't carrying over... I think just his attention to detail, the will to want to is different," Mailata said, per NBC Sports Philadelphia's Reuben Frank.

Mailata and the Eagles will hope that can help the offensive line fill in for Johnson, who has followed up three straight Pro Bowl campaigns by remaining one of the most effective blockers in the NFL this season. He has allowed no sacks and no hits through 449 offensive snaps played so far this season, per Pro Football Focus.

If the Eagles decide to take some pressure off of Johnson as he steps in at right tackle, they could opt to feature Saquon Barkley more heavily. Barkley recorded a season-high 26 carries in Week 11 as the Eagles adjusted to Johnson's departure from the game.