Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Johnny Wilson will miss the entire 2025 NFL season after suffering severe knee and ankle injuries during a practice session, requiring season-ending surgery. This unexpected setback impacts the team’s receiving depth as they prepare for the regular season.
Johnny Wilson, a 24-year-old wide receiver, was a sixth-round pick by the Eagles in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Florida State University. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 228 pounds, Wilson brought a unique physical presence to the position, valued for his blocking skills and ability to contest 50-50 balls. He appeared poised to secure a roster spot as the fourth wide receiver behind starters A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson.
The injury occurred during a practice session on Tuesday, August 20, 2025, at the Eagles’ training facility in Philadelphia. Wilson was involved in a run play featuring Saquon Barkley when he got rolled up on and went down awkwardly, immediately favoring his left leg. He was assisted off the field to the medical tent and later carted inside for further evaluation.
Medical assessments confirmed that Wilson sustained significant damage to his knee and ankle, necessitating surgery that will end his 2025 campaign. The exact nature of the injuries—such as ligament tears or fractures—was not detailed in initial reports, but the severity requires a lengthy rehabilitation process.
This development is a blow to the Eagles’ offensive plans, as Wilson was expected to contribute in specific packages and on special teams. His size and skill set offered a different dimension to the receiving corps, particularly in red-zone situations and blocking for the run game. In the preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, Wilson had shown promise with three catches for 73 yards, highlighting his potential.
The Eagles now face adjustments in their wide receiver depth chart. Other players vying for roster spots include Ainias Smith and undrafted rookie Darius Cooper, who has impressed during training camp. Additionally, the team recently acquired John Metchie III in a trade with the Houston Texans, sending tight end Harrison Bryant and a 2026 fifth-round pick in exchange for Metchie and a 2026 sixth-round pick. This move could help offset the loss of Wilson.
Looking ahead, Wilson will focus on surgery and recovery, with an eye toward returning for the 2026 season. For the Eagles, the focus shifts to evaluating remaining receivers in the final preseason game and making roster decisions. The team may also explore further trades or free-agent signings to ensure adequate depth at the position.
In summary, Wilson’s season-ending injury is a significant setback for both the player and the team, altering their preseason preparations and receiver dynamics as they aim for success in the upcoming NFL season.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46040239/source-eagles-wr-johnny-wilson-season-ending-surgery