Lane Johnson's 10-game PED suspension upheld
Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson's 10-game suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs has been upheld, the club confirmed Tuesday.
The word of Johnson's ban first came in early August, but curiously, the appeal was allowed to stretch into the season, with the former first-rounder playing in Philadelphia's first four games.
Per Johnson's lawyers, he will continue to fight the verdict:
Here is a statement from Lane Johnson's outside counsel on the NFL's decision ... pic.twitter.com/pvpZLlYoRb
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) October 11, 2016
Johnson has claimed his failed test is the result of a supplement he believed was approved by the NFL and NFLPA, which is possibly the cause of delay.
The 26-year-old's suspension will begin immediately - Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET - and Johnson won't be eligible to return until Week 16 of the regular season.
The Eagles could move left guard Allen Barbe to right tackle or insert rookie Halapoulivaati Vaitai into the lineup as Johnson's replacement.