Eagles Place Charles Johnson on IR

PHILADELPHIA (973espn.com) — If there is going to be an AAF success story with the Philadelphia Eagles, it's going to be Greg Ward.

The other option -- fellow receiver Charles Johnson -- was placed on injured reserve Wednesday with an ankle injury to make room for offensive tackle Riley Mayfield, a needed body because Jordan Mailata will be unavailable for the preseason finale against the New York Jets.

With starters Jason Peters and Lane Johnson also sitting, and first-round pick Andre Dillard unlikely to see any action as well, that left the Eagles with the recently signed Brett Toth as well as Matt Pryor to get through the game.

Johnson was one of the best WRs in the now-defunct AAF this spring, piling up 45 catches for 687 yards and five touchdowns with Orlando. He was on a separate field working on rehab during practice on Tuesday and moving well.

Because it's likely not a long-term injury, the Eagles could release Johnson with an injury settlement to sign with another team once he's ready to go.

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