The Philadelphia Eagles are still sitting atop the NFC East, but inside the building this week, optimism has been replaced by unease. After losing three straight games and watching their once-dominant offense unravel, the Eagles received troubling news from the injury report — news that could dramatically alter the outlook for quarterback Jalen Hurts as the season enters a critical phase. There was no dramatic press conference or emergency announcement. Just a growing awareness that the foundation protecting their franchise quarterback may be cracking at the worst possible time.
Philadelphia dropped to 8–5 following a painful 22–19 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 14, a game defined by turnovers, missed opportunities, and mounting frustration. Despite still holding first place in the division, the Eagles have little margin for error with the Dallas Cowboys lurking close behind. Sunday’s matchup against the 2–11 Las Vegas Raiders should represent a chance to stabilize. Instead, it has become another potential landmine — largely because of who may not be available to keep Hurts upright.
The most alarming issue lies along the offensive line, specifically at right tackle. All-Pro Lane Johnson, arguably the most important protector Hurts has, has now missed three consecutive games with a lingering foot injury and has yet to practice this week. His absence alone has already been felt, but the situation worsened when Fred Johnson — the replacement tasked with filling Lane Johnson’s massive shoes — appeared on the injury report with an ankle issue. Limited in practice, his availability and effectiveness are now very much in question.
Head coach Nick Sirianni attempted to project calm while acknowledging the reality of the situation. “We’ll continue to evaluate it day by day,” Sirianni said. “We always prepare for contingencies, but obviously protecting Jalen is a priority for us.” The words were measured, but the implications were not. If both Johnsons are unavailable — or if Fred Johnson is forced to play at less than full strength — Hurts could be exposed behind a compromised right side of the line.
That exposure comes at an especially dangerous moment. The Raiders may be struggling overall, but they possess one of the NFL’s most relentless pass rushers in Maxx Crosby. Crosby has accounted for nine of Las Vegas’ 25 sacks this season and spends much of his time attacking the right edge — exactly where Philadelphia is most vulnerable. With Hurts already pressing and committing costly turnovers, the last thing the Eagles need is a defender capable of wrecking drives on his own.
The context makes the situation even more precarious. Hurts is coming off a brutal performance against the Chargers, committing five turnovers, including the interception that sealed the overtime loss. While the coaching staff and locker room continue to defend him publicly, the quarterback’s margin for error has shrunk dramatically. Increased pressure, hurried throws, and collapsing pockets are a recipe for exactly the kind of mistakes that have fueled Philadelphia’s skid.
This isn’t just about one game against a struggling opponent. It’s about the cumulative toll on Hurts and the offense. Without Lane Johnson anchoring the line, protection schemes become more predictable. Tight ends and running backs are forced into pass-blocking roles. Routes develop slower. Play-calling narrows. Everything becomes harder — and that pressure inevitably lands on the quarterback’s shoulders. For a team already searching for rhythm, that’s a dangerous spiral.
Internally, the Eagles know what’s at stake. Hurts is the engine of the franchise, and his health is non-negotiable. Philadelphia invested heavily in him as their long-term answer, and exposing him behind a depleted offensive line risks more than a loss — it risks derailing the entire season. Coaches are expected to adjust protections, quicken reads, and possibly lean more heavily on the run game, but those are mitigations, not solutions.
As Sunday approaches, the uncertainty remains. Will Lane Johnson return earlier than expected? Can Fred Johnson push through his ankle issue effectively? Or will Hurts be forced to navigate one of the league’s most dangerous pass rushers with minimal protection? Those answers may not be known until kickoff — and by then, the Eagles will have already stepped onto the edge.
Philadelphia still controls its destiny. A win against the Raiders could stop the bleeding and restore confidence. But this latest injury development has changed the tone entirely. What once looked like a get-right game now feels like a test of survival — for the offense, for the coaching staff, and most importantly, for Jalen Hurts. How the Eagles respond to this moment may define not just Week 15, but the trajectory of their entire season.
