Fred Johnson Optimistic After Recent Injury Scare
Philadelphia Eagles' left tackle Fred Johnson faced a nerve-wracking moment during a match against the Jacksonville Jaguars when a collision with Andre Cisco put the offensive line's stability into question. The incident, occurring amidst Jalen Hurts’ electrifying 18-yard touchdown run, saw Cisco penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct after his collision with Johnson's knee.
The collision led to immediate concern on the field, sparking memories of past injuries that have sidelined pivotal players for entire seasons. Johnson himself was momentarily forced to leave the game, missing a single play before demonstrating commendable resilience by returning to the field to support his team for the remainder of the game.
After the game, Johnson shared his reflections on the incident, expressing both relief and apprehension. "Yeah, I feel good about Sunday," he said, signaling his intention to play in the Eagles’ highly anticipated match against the Dallas Cowboys. However, beneath his optimism lay an underlying concern about the NFL's approach to managing such dangerous impacts. "Anyone know if he got fined?" Johnson questioned, contemplating the repercussions for Cisco’s hit. "If not, we need to talk to the league. It hurts," he added, highlighting the need for clarity and regulation to protect players from potential long-term harm.
Preparing for the Cowboys
The upcoming match against the Cowboys finds the Eagles potentially facing uncertainty in their offensive line. With Fred Johnson expressing optimism about his participation, the Eagles are hopeful he will be able to play. Yet, the team is aware of the injury's complexities. "They said if my foot was planted, I could have been out for the year," Johnson revealed, underscoring the precarious nature of his near-miss. Such reflections have only intensified conversations around player safety and protective measures in the league.
Meanwhile, as the Eagles strategize for the Cowboys, they are expecting Jordan Mailata to return from injured reserve soon. If Johnson remains unable to play, backup plans are in place, with Tyler Steen as the primary candidate to fill in at left tackle. Additionally, Mekhi Becton has been gaining experience at the position, offering further depth and options for the Eagles.
A League-Wide Concern
The incident has sparked broader discussions about league fines and penalties associated with dangerous plays. Johnson’s concern centers around the NFL's disciplinary actions—or the lack thereof—in response to the hits that jeopardize player safety. He vividly recounted the moment of impact, observing, "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." Despite his efforts to avoid significant injury, Johnson's statement underscores the critical need for proactive measures from the league to prevent potentially career-ending situations.
Fred Johnson’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in professional football and highlights ongoing discussions about player safety. As the Eagles prepare to face the Cowboys, Johnson's return to form is eagerly anticipated not only by his team but by fans looking forward to seeing the left tackle back in action.