Eagles Rumors: Lane Johnson, Dallas Goedert out for Preseason with Leg Injuries

Two key members of the Philadelphia Eagles offense won't be participating for the remainder of the preseason.

According to multiple reports, Johnson is dealing with a knee injury, while Goedert has a calf knock. Both are considered week-to-week and expected to be kept out of action until the regular season.

The Eagles can't afford to be without Johnson, one of the best right tackles in the NFL. In July, Pro Football Focus ranked Johnson as the ninth-best tackle in all of football heading into the 2019 campaign, writing:

"Though Johnson did earn a career-low run-blocking grade (74.4) a year ago, he's proven in years past that he's more than worthy of a spot on this list. His three-year run-blocking grade (84.7) ranks inside the top-five among qualifiers, and his 79.9 pass-blocking grade in the same three-year span (2016-18) ranks inside the top-20."

For the Eagles, keeping franchise quarterback Carson Wentz upright is of the utmost importance. That puts an impetus on the team's offensive line, namely tackles Johnson and Jason Peters. So it isn't surprising that Philly might be ultra-cautious with Johnson before the season. 

Goedert, meanwhile, was impressive in his rookie season, catching 33 passes for 334 yards and four touchdowns. Those numbers might seem modest, but Goedert is essentially the team's backup tight end behind reception-machine Zach Ertz, and the ability for the Eagles to go with a two-tight end formation that puts stress on opposing secondaries is a nice added dimension. 

Goedert has looked primed for a big season, too, as Wentz told SportsRadio 94WIP.

"I've really enjoyed building that chemistry with Dallas, on and off the field," Wentz said. "We are obviously both Dakota kids, who share similar interest and values. On the field, it's been a pleasure to watch his development. As a rookie, he did some really good things early on, and this season he's taken his game to another level and that’s exciting."

Exciting for the Eagles, scary for opposing defenses once he's fully healthy.