Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson (65) plays against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Photo Credit: The Eagles won 29-10. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
PHILADELPHIA — Eagles tackle Lane Johnson has been suspended for violating the league’s PED policy pending an appeal hearing.
Johnson was informed before Monday night’s 29-14 win over Chicago that his “B” urine sample showed the same evidence of a banned substance as his initial sample. Johnson has said the supplement he was taking was one that was approved by the NFL Players Association and did not list the banned substance on its list of ingredients. Johnson played in the Eagles’ first two games and also will play Sunday against Pittsburgh.
“Until I hear something from the league office, Lane is my right tackle,” coach Doug Pederson said. Johnson’s appeal hearing is Oct. 4.
If the arbitrator upholds his suspension, he will miss 10 games starting with the Eagles’ Oct. 9 game against Detroit. He would be eligible to return for the team’s final three regular-season games.
If Johnson is suspended, left guard Allen Barbre would likely move over to right tackle. Stefen Wisniewski would replace Barbre at left guard.
–Carson Wentz’s first NFL road start also happened to be a nationally-televised primetime game Monday night. But Wentz insisted he wasn’t nervous. “It was a cool stage,” he said. “Monday Night Football, everything was sweet. But it was (just another) football game and we came out of it with a win.”
–TE Zach Ertz sat out Monday night’s win over Chicago with a rib injury. His status for Sunday’s game against Pittsburgh is uncertain. Eagles coach Doug Pederson said he’s “healing fine” and “we’ll see where we’re at game time.”
–CB Leodis McKelvin sat out the Chicago game with a hamstring strain. He was replaced by rookie Jalen Mills. It’s too early to say whether he’ll be able to play Sunday against Pittsburgh. … LB Mychal Kendricks fractured his nose and suffered a quad contusion in Monday’s win over Chicago. Coach Doug Pederson said he “should be OK” for Sunday’s game against the Steelers.
–G Isaac Seumalo remains sidelined with a pectoral strain. He practiced on a limited basis last week, but wasn’t active for the Chicago game Monday night. Coach Doug Pederson listed him as “day to day.”
