Lane Johnson’s late scratch against the Rams gets louder after Brandon Graham’s comments

Lane Johnson was a surprise inactive for the Eagles’ loss to the Rams on Sunday, and Brandon Graham’s comments about it are driving the conversation.

The Eagles listed Lane Johnson as questionable for a personal matter about two hours before kickoff, then ruled him out 90 minutes before the game. He practiced in full during the week and had no injury designation. Rookie Markel Bell, a third-round pick, made his first NFL start at right tackle. Fred Johnson was out with a knee injury, so the Eagles had no reserve tackle active.

ESPN pointed out that the Eagles did not elevate a tackle from the practice squad before Saturday’s deadline. That was a sign Johnson’s availability was not in serious question earlier in the week.

What Brandon Graham Said About Lane Johnson

Brandon Graham:

“I’d hate for [Lane Johnson] to go out like this…I know it’s your last year, man, but let’s go out with a bang. I know more than what I can really say right now, but it’s just like, come on man, we need you.”

(Via .@PHLY_Sports on YouTube) pic.twitter.com/HBvuCnQr9o

— EaglesMuse (@eaglesmuse_) October 5, 2026

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Graham, who retired after the 2025 season, spoke about the situation on PHLY Sports. He said the Lane Johnson situation is killing him and that the Eagles need him. He said he hates to see Johnson go out like this, and that “we needed him in this game.” He also said he knows more than he can say right now.

Parts of the clip spread on social media as a hint that Johnson could retire during the season. Graham did not say that.

Graham also defended Bell, saying the rookie should not take the blame. He said missing offensive linemen makes a coach hesitant to call certain plays.

What We Know About Lane Johnson’s Absence

The team has only called it a personal matter. Nick Sirianni did not have a firm answer on whether he expects Lane Johnson back for the Week 5 game against the Jaguars in London. Neither Sirianni nor Jordan Mailata elaborated.

Johnson is 36 and in his 14th season. He said in training camp that this year will probably be his last. He missed four days of camp for personal reasons and said he went home to visit family.

He also missed three games in 2021 for a personal matter and later said he was dealing with depression and anxiety. The Inquirer wrote that it is unclear whether Sunday’s absence is related. Nothing reported connects the two, and it should not be treated as fact.

Why Lane Johnson’s Availability Matters

The Eagles went 3-5 in eight games without Lane Johnson last season and lost in the first round of the playoffs to the 49ers. On Sunday they were also without DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert and Zack Baun, and Saquon Barkley left early in the game. It was their second straight loss after the 27-7 defeat in Chicago on Monday night.

Mailata said he did not think Johnson’s absence had a major effect on the offense. Cam Jurgens said the team misses him. Jalen Hurts struggled to move the offense.

If the absence extends, Howie Roseman may have to make a move. The Eagles have John Ojukwu and Kiran Amegadjie at tackle on the practice squad.

Until Johnson or the Eagles say more, the confirmed facts are short. A personal matter, a rookie at right tackle, a second straight loss, and a team that needs Lane Johnson on the field.