Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson is facing a 10-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.
#Eagles OT Lane Johnson is facing a 10-game PED suspension, source said (as @DarrenDegaetano reported). He's appealing. Would be a bad blow
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 9, 2016
Philadelphia Eagles Tackle Lane Johnson Facing 10-Game Suspension
This violation would come as Johnson’s second violation in two years. He was previously suspended for the first four games of the 2014 season due to his use of PEDs (performance-enhancing drugs).
Johnson was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles with the fourth-overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the third offensive tackle taken. He signed a four-year contract, worth $19.85 million, soon after.
During his time playing collegiate football, Johnson switched between multiple positions. He had originally played quarterback and tight end for Kilgore College, a junior college, before transferring to the University of Oklahoma in his sophomore year. There, Johnson moved from tight end to defensive end and eventually to offensive tackle.
In 2016, he signed a six-year extension worth $63 million, with $35 million in guaranteed money. His suspension would invalidate the guaranteed money on his contract.
Going into his fourth year, Johnson has played a total of 44 games with Eagles. He played all 16 games of the 2013 and 2015 season, as well as the final 12 games of the 2014 season.
Johnson is one of the best offensive linemen on the Eagles roster. With Johnson’s suspension, the Eagles will have to look to two of their current right tackles on their roster. The second string right tackle is five-year veteran Dennis Kelly, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Purdue University. Also competing for the job is rookie Halapoulivaati Vaitai out of TCU. It’s possible that the Eagles may look to free agency or a trade to add another player to fill Johnson’s position for the first 10 games of the season.
Johnson responded to the reports. According to NFL insider Jay Glazer, he said that “the amino acid he took was pre-approved and is currently awaiting a B-sample.”
Just heard from Lane Johnson, says he took an amino acid that was approved but tested positive for (cont) https://t.co/xLlcLmOweU
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) August 9, 2016
Johnson is currently planning to appeal the outcome of his second NFL policy violation.
Main Photo:
