Philadelphia Eagles have been handed a major injury boost over one of their key men, Lane Johnson.
The Eagles right tackle had recently undergone surgery for an adductor injury which had affected him during the final weeks of the regular season, but he did not have surgery until February.
Johnson missed the final couple of regular season matches for the Eagles in order to be able to take part in the NFL playoffs. The 33-year-old managed to play in all three postseason games, and featured in the Super Bowl LVII loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
It was eventually confirmed in February that Johnson would be having the surgery, and would need at least three months in order to recover. Now, almost three months to the day after the operation, Johnson has provided an update on his rehabilitation.
Johnson confirmed that he is cleared to take full part in off-season work with the Eagles. In a short message on Twitter, the right tackle wrote: “Officially cleared!”
The Eagles are currently taking part in off-season training camps ahead of the 2023 season. That camp has seen some of the new recruits, either through trades or from the NFL Draft, take part to get up to speed.
In the Draft, the Eagles picked seven new players. These include; defensive tackle Jalen Carter, edge Nolan Smith, offensive tackle Tyler Steen, safety Sydney Brown, cornerback Kelee Ringo, quarterback Tanner McKee and defensive tackle Moro Ojomo.
A little over a month after undergoing surgery, Johnson was handed a new contract with the Eagles. The extension, while not publicly disclosed by the NFC East team, was reportedly worth $33.4 million, with $30 million guaranteed.
Johnson is now under contract with the Eagles until the end of the 2026 season. The extension means that the financial commitment to the right tackle from the team is at around $80.75m over the next four seasons.
After signing his deal, Johnson confirmed his intention to play with the Eagles until he retires. The veteran has been in the NFL since being drafted as the number four overall pick back in 2013.
“My whole goal is to retire an Eagle,” said Johnson after signing his new deal in March. “That's what I'm going to do. I'm just excited to be here, be as fortunate as I am to be with one team for as long as I have.
“I love this game and, more importantly, I love the people and the coaches that I'm with every day and that's why I love the game so much.”
