Eagles inactivate Lane Johnson for personal reasons ahead of Rams
14 sourcesUpdated Oct 4, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson was ruled inactive for the Week 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams for personal reasons. He had no injury designation during the week. About two hours before the 1 p.m. ET kickoff he was listed questionable, then ruled out about 30 minutes later. The final inactive list was released roughly 90 minutes before kickoff. With veteran backup Fred Johnson also inactive due to a knee injury, rookie third-round pick Markel Bell is expected to make his first NFL start at right tackle. The Eagles also ruled out DeVonta Smith (hamstring), Zack Baun (concussion), Dallas Goedert, Marcus Epps, Hollywood Brown, and Cole Payton. Johnson, a six-time Pro Bowler and the 2013 fourth overall pick, leaves the Eagles 18-29 all-time without him in the lineup. AP reported Johnson missed four days of training camp this week for personal reasons and said in camp his 14th season would probably be his last. He took a 2021 leave for anxiety and depression and has spoken at mental health clinics. The team gave no further explanation. Rated coverage in the record is left only.
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Whose framing of this story rings truest to you?
Markel Bell getting the start as a rookie means he has a real chance to prove himself in a tough spot.
The last minute decision to rule him out after listing him questionable feels disruptive for the whole team.
Losing Lane Johnson for personal reasons is a big hit to the Eagles offensive line against the Rams.
