Bills Week 17 foe to reportedly get 2 key players back from injury in time for matchup

The Bills' matchup with the Eagles could mean a lot in terms of Buffalo continuing its quest for a division title.

Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65) against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Two key players will reportedly return to the lineup for the Buffalo Bills’ Week 17 foe just in time for next week’s matchup.

The Philadelphia Eagles should be boosted by starting right tackle Lane Johnson and starting defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who are each expected to be re-inserted back into the lineup after their respective absences. The news was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday morning.

RELATED: Bills clear two important pieces to dress vs. Browns after mid-week injury scares

Reinforcements on the way: Eagles DT Jalen Carter (shoulders) and OT Lane Johnson (foot), both are expected back next week in time to play against the Buffalo Bills, per sources.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 21, 2025

Coming back

Johnson has missed five straight games due to a foot injury, while Carter has been out for three consecutive matchups due to a shoulder ailment.

Both players are significant contributors for the Eagles, with Johnson, a two-time first-team All-Pro, serving as a mainstay in the team’s starting lineup for 13 seasons, while Carter has been a star since he was drafted by the Eagles in 2023. Carter is a former Pro Bowler who has recorded 12.5 sacks over the past three seasons, including 2.5 during the 2025 campaign.

MORE: Buffalo Bills will face injury-riddled Browns team missing 3 key players in Week 16

Nov 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) speaks with Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) after the game at Lincoln Financial Field. | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Why it matters

As it stands entering Week 16, the Bills’ (10-4) best chance of completing an unlikely comeback in the AFC East title race is for them to win their final three games of the season, with divisional rival, the New England Patriots (11-3), falling in one of their last two division games of the year, against the New York Jets or Miami Dolphins.

That could make a win over the Eagles next week increasingly critical for the Bills, who are hoping to remain atop the East for the sixth consecutive season. The Eagles locked up the NFC East title for a second straight year when they defeated the Washington Commanders on Saturday.

RELATED: Bills' Week 16 rooting guide: first place in AFC East on table?

Nov 20, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) gets ready to throw a pass against the Cleveland Browns in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Taking care of business

The Bills’ chances of winning the division currently sit at 23%, per the New York Times Playoff Simulator. And a win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday will be their first step toward keeping hope alive heading into their matchup with Philadelphia next week.

The Bills will kick off against the Browns at 1 p.m. at Huntington Bank Field.

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