Eagles | Lane Johnson a full-go for offseason program

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Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that RT Lane Johnson was fully cleared from ankle surgery a few weeks ago and will be “full go” for the offseason program.

Footballguys View: The Eagles offense collapsed last year for more reasons than one, but the offensive line injuries were certainly prominent on that list. Johnson is one of the best in the business and his return along with Brandon Brooks will give the Eagles one of the best right sides of the line in the league once again. Jalen Hurts and Miles Sanders have a better shot at a bounceback year as long as the line stays healthy and the offense takes to Nick Sirianni’s system.

Lions | D’Andre Swift could take backseat

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Detroit Lions RB D’Andre Swift could serve as a complementary back to free agent-acquisition Jamaal Williams, according to comments made by new offensive coordinator in a recent interview with The Athletic. ‘Jamaal is what I’d call a classic ‘A’ back,’ Lynn said. ‘I like to break the backs down into A and B. My ‘A’ backs are normally my bigger backs. They can run between the tackles, block probably a little better than a ‘B’ back, they can also run the perimeter. I can leave those guys in there for all three downs. My ‘B’ back comes in, he’s a guy that sometimes I want to use in space more. He’s my speed-in-space guy. ‘

Lions | Jamaal Williams the lead back?

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Detroit Lions RB Jamaal Williams is on track to be the team’s lead running back, offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn recently told The Athletic. ‘Jamaal is what I’d call a classic ‘A’ back,’ Lynn said. ‘I like to break the backs down into A and B. My ‘A’ backs are normally my bigger backs. They can run between the tackles, block probably a little better than a ‘B’ back, they can also run the perimeter. I can leave those guys in there for all three downs. My ‘B’ back comes in, he’s a guy that sometimes I want to use in space more. He’s my speed-in-space guy. I feel like Jamaal would be an outstanding ‘A’ back. I like his energy, I like his pad level and the way he runs the football between the tackles.’

Footballguys View: We don’t completely agree with PFT’s reading here, but the idea that Williams is going to be much closer to a 50/50 committee back than a backup to D’Andre Swift is one that needs to be heeded in fantasy draft prep. Swift is more talented, but Williams is reliable and the new regime specifically sought him out. The Lions are going to run the ball as much as they can, but the defense may limit that as it is under consruction after it was left in a woeful state by Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn.