The Eagles may have just suffered had a catastrophic blow to their 2016 hopes. Franchise right tackle Lane Johnson has reportedly been suspended for his second PED violation and as a consequence, will face a ten game ban.
The story was first reported by WIP host Darren DeGaetano, before later being confirmed by Howard Eskin and Ian Rapoport.
I have been told Lane Johnson will be suspended 10 games for PED violation. His 2nd offense. #Eagles
— Darren DeGaetano (@DarrenDegaetano) August 9, 2016
The report is correct #Eagles RT Lane Johnson suspended 10 games for PED use. @FOX29philly @SportsRadioWIP
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) August 9, 2016
#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
This is the second time in which Johnson has been suspended for PED’s. The first ban came in 2014 where he was suspended for the opening four games of the season.
As Ian Rapoport reported, Johnson is appealing the ban so it’s not final as of yet..but this would be a monumental setback to the Eagles season.
Johnson signed a six-year extension with the Eagles during the offseason, guaranteeing himself $35M. The tackle is widely regarded to be the heir to the throne of Left Tackle, where an aging Jason Peters is currently the starter
The Eagles are set to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday in their first pre-season game.
More updates to follow.
**UPDATE**
Johnson has “strongly” denied the allegations according to numerous sources:
Just received a pretty strong denial from Lane Johnson about the validity of 'reports' making the rounds about A PED suspension. #Eagles
— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardoNFL) August 9, 2016
Lane Johnson just responded to text message and said that "all was good," and denied report he's been suspended for 10 games for PED use.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) August 9, 2016
An explanation from an unusual place?:
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
Photo credit: AP Photo/Chris Szagola
