Lane Johnson was not available for the Cowboys game back on November 1st, so the Birds moved Jordan Mailata to right tackle and had Jason Peters come back in on the left side of the line.

They might not have to do that again, because Doug Pederson said Friday he’s optimistic that Johnson will play and clarified his “limited” status that’s been popping up on this week’s injury reports:

“Limited just means we limited his practice reps. He practiced each day, whether it’s through individual periods or working with Stout (offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland) on an adjacent field, or getting limited participation reps during a team portion of practice. ‘Limited’ can be a little misleading sometimes, but he’s in good spot. He’s a lot like Alshon (Jeffery) right now where we need to see where he’s at today with a few more reps, but I’m optimistic that he’s good to go for Sunday. Obviously he would give that offensive line a big boost if he could go.”

He would, though Mailata did an admirable job at right tackle in the Cowboys win.

If Johnson can go, the Eagles then have to decide whether to move Mailata back to left tackle, which would have the offensive line looking like this:

  • LT: Mailata
  • LG: Nate Herbig
  • C: Jason Kelce
  • RG: Jason Peters or Matt Pryor
  • RT: Lane Johnson

Conversely, you could keep Peters at left tackle and have Pryor play right guard again, but I personally feel like they’re better with Mailata at left tackle and Peters playing right guard. I’m not sure Pederson agrees though, based on the ridiculous comments he made about Mailata a few weeks ago.

Isaac Seumalo is also on the mend and will return soon, so the Birds could have their starting offensive line back together soon, which would see Herbig and Mailata both go back on the bench.

We’ll see what Doug decides to do.