Lane Johnson returns to practice

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Can one man make a difference in the Philadelphia Eagles run game? We're about to find out.

The Eagles are coming off the worst rushing performance in the NFL this year, but they're hoping Lane Johnson will finally be able to help open the running lanes

The right tackle returned to practice in his starting role Tuesday for the first time following his four game suspension.

"It feels bad. We don't have the running game quite where we want it. But past is past, I'm glad to be back," Johnson said.

"You gotta to be man enough to say I screwed up and you know what you do? You make the corrections quickly and you move on. That's where we are. He's back, he's going to play, and we're glad he's back," offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said.

Johnson spent the last month training in Texas, working out in the gym and doing drills on a field. While he feels he's in the best shape of his life, there's nothing that can replace being in football game shape.

"I don't care what people say. The only way you can get into football shape is to play football. I'm in pretty decent shape. I'm not exactly where I want to be, but I think I'll be good enough," Johnson said.

Johnson expects to regain form full within two games, but his addition Sunday against St. Louis should make an immediate impact with the run and protecting quarterback Nick Foles.

"Lane is a tremendous athlete. He's a guy that can run with the best of them and block with the best of them. Just to have him back, his personality, everything, I'm excited," Foles said.

Foles has been hit more than any other quarterback in the NFL so Johnson is certainly a sight for sore eyes