Lane Johnson: 'Whatever I've Got To Do, I'll Do On Sunday'
By Ed Benkin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Eagles offensive line has struggled through the first four games of the season. Now, injuries may force the unit to do some serious shuffling.
As they Eagles get set to face the Saints on Sunday, the status of Left Tackle Jason Peters remains uncertain. When Peters went out of the game last Sunday in Washington, Matt Tobin switched from right guard to left tackle and Dennis Kelly took Tobin's spot. This week, Chip Kelly raised the possibility of moving Lane Johnson from right tackle to left tackle if Peters is out. Regardless, the offensive front has turned into a game of musical linemen, and it's anybody's guess where everyone will land when the music stops. Kelly says a final decision will be made at the end of the week.
"It could be Lane at left tackle," said Kelly. "We have a couple combinations that we can work there. We have to get through today and tomorrow....our two big workdays during the week and then Friday and Saturday, we'll take a look at where we are. We've got four days to take a look at the combinations we can have in there if Jason can't go."
Johnson said he will play anywhere he is asked to play and that his only concern is helping the team. Johnson was limited at practice on Wednesday, but will get a chance to test his skills at left tackle as workouts continue this week.
"It's just going to come down to reps," Johnson said. "If I have to play it, I'll play it. It depends on what the situation's going to be. Whatever I've got to do, I'll do on Sunday."
Complicating matters is the health of Johnson. He is dealing with a sprained MCL and won't be at full strength come game time. However, Johnson knows the Eagles are shorthanded up front and left no doubt about his availability for Sunday's game.
"I'm definitely going Sunday," said Johnson. "I felt good today. It hurts a little bit, but it's nothing I can't deal with. I'll be full go Sunday."
No matter where Johnson lines up on Sunday and who lines up next to him, the offensive line will need to play better if the Eagles have any chance of turning their season around. Johnson feels he did not play well enough last weekend, and believes the offensive line is largely responsible for the team's 1-3 record.
"We've dug a very deep hole and pretty much put everybody else in it," Johnson said. "We've got to find a way to get everybody else out and find our way out of this mess. A quarter of the way through the season, we're not where we want to be, but there's still a lot of games left to be played."
