Starting Philadelphia Eagles left tackle Jason Peters missed his first start in 40 games on Sunday night in a 33-27 overtime victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
Lane Johnson slid over from his normal position of right tackle to make his first career start at left tackle.
The Eagles drafted Johnson with a top-five pick in the 2013 NFL Draft with hopes that he would one day replace the 33-year-old Peters. Via Matt Lombardo of NJ.com, Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur believes that Johnson has the skills to be the left tackle of the future.
"I think Lane can be," Shurmur said in a press conference Tuesday. "I think he had a winning performance this past weekend. But, if Jason is back, he'll be the right tackle."
Johnson did a good job of protecting quarterback Sam Bradford's blindside from quality pass-rushers such as Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory. He also made a block to help set Ryan Mathews free and score on a six-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
When Peters went down with back spasms in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers in Week 7, Johnson stayed at right tackle and Matt Tobin moved from right guard to left tackle. Dennis Kelly was inserted into the game at right guard.
Against the Cowboys, Tobin stayed at his normal spot of right guard, Kelly started the game at right tackle and Johnson played left tackle.
"I thought our offensive line kind of felt challenged and they went out and did a terrific job," Shurmur said. "Dennis (Kelly) did a really fine job. Where he really showed up was on our short throws and our run game. I thought he did a really nice job."
According to Marcus Hayes of Philly.com, Peters will play on Sunday afternoon against the Miami Dolphins.
Michael Malia is a contributing intern for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Facebook (Michael Malia) or Twitter @Michael_Malia.
