
Lane Johnson inactive for personal reasons; Eagles lose both right-tackle options
Fred Johnson is also out with a knee injury. Independent reporting says rookie Markel Bell will make his first NFL start against the Rams.
By NFL Desk / 1 source / Published October 4, 2026 / Updated October 17, 2026
Lane Johnson will not play against the Rams on Sunday after the Eagles added their starting right tackle to the inactive list for personal reasons. His late absence comes with backup tackle Fred Johnson already out because of a knee injury, creating another offensive adjustment before the 1 p.m. ET kickoff in Philadelphia.
The Eagles’ official 11:47 a.m. report lists eight inactive players and identifies personal reasons as the explanation for Lane Johnson’s absence. He had been described as questionable shortly before the inactive announcement. The team did not provide further details about those personal circumstances.
Bleeding Green Nation’s Brandon Lee Gowton reported that rookie Markel Bell would make his first NFL start at right tackle with both Johnsons unavailable. That is the immediate personnel consequence to watch: Philadelphia must replace the veteran on the right side without its usual backup available to handle the change.
This is a separate development from the injuries that shaped the Eagles’ Friday report. DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, Hollywood Brown, Zack Baun, Marcus Epps and Fred Johnson were already ruled out. Lane Johnson’s game-day status adds an offensive-line absence to a team that was preparing to replace multiple pass catchers.
Philadelphia confirmed that Smith is out with a hamstring injury, Brown with an ankle injury and Goedert with a knee injury. Tight ends Zach Ertz and Josiah Deguara were elevated from the practice squad Saturday and are available alongside the team’s other active tight ends. Their availability gives the Eagles options, but does not promise any player a particular number of targets or snaps.
For roster managers, the inactive announcement resolves availability rather than production. Lane Johnson’s absence changes the protection personnel around Jalen Hurts; it does not establish how Philadelphia will divide pass attempts, rushing work or blocking help. The first useful evidence will be the actual lineup and how the Eagles handle pressure once play begins.
The Rams also enter with confirmed absences. Their inactive list includes Colby Parkinson, whose knee and shoulder injuries had left him questionable, as well as Aaron Donald and Jaylen Watson. Those defensive absences are relevant matchup context, but they do not eliminate the adjustment Philadelphia faces at right tackle.
Sunday’s fresh news is the late loss of Lane Johnson and the resulting depth problem beside the previously announced injuries. The Eagles have confirmed that he will miss this game; they have not announced a longer absence.
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