Lane Johnson the Left Tackle?

PHILADELPHIA (973espn.com) - The Eagles haven't been able to count on much from an offensive standpoint in the 2015 season, save for the solid play of right tackle Lane Johnson.

Johnson, however, sprained his right knee during last Sunday’s loss to the Redskins, a malady that the Texas native believes will not keep from playing in the upcoming Week 5 encounter against New Orleans.

“We’re 1-3,” Johnson told reporters Tuesday when asked if he planned to play. “We ain’t got nobody else.”

That's close to being accurate because backup Matt Tobin was forced to replace the injured Andrew Gardner at right guard against Washington and then had to kick out to left tackle when Jason Peters aggravated a quad injury after just six snaps. Gardner is gone for the season, and Peters' availability this week is to be determined which has Chip Kelly drawing up contingencies.

(Listen to John McMullen discuss Lane Johnson and the offensive line issues)

One of which would have Johnson flipping to left tackle with Tobin settling in at right guard next to Dennis Kelly. It's not ideal and probably not going to happen unless Peters' absence is more definitive and lengthy but some forget Johnson was drafted with the intent of eventually moving to the left side as the heir apparent to the aging Peters.

"It could be Lane at left tackle," coach Chip Kelly said before practice. "We've got a couple combinations we can work there. Today and tomorrow are our two big work days, then Friday and Saturday we'll take a look at where we are."

A change this week, though, is further complicated by the fact that Johnson, who is also dealing with a balky ankle, wasn't able to practice at all on Tuesday and only did so in a limited fashion on Wednesday.

"I'll know more tomorrow," Johnson said at his locker after the practice session. "I'll be ready to play but right now I'm still preparing for right tackle."

NOVACARE NOTES:

-Left guard Allen Barbre returned to practice Wednesday after sitting out Tuesday with a groin injury.

-Those who sat out practice were left tackle Jason Peters (quad), CB Byron Maxwell (quad), ILBs Mychal Kendricks (hamstring), Kiko Alonso (knee), and DE Brandon Bair (groin). Defensive ends Cedric Thornton (hand) and Taylor Hart (shoulder) and safety Chris Maragos (quad) were able to fully participate.

-John McMullen covers the Eagles and the NFL for 973ESPN.com. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen