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.
https://twitter.com/DarrenDegaetano/status/763060396160786432
https://twitter.com/howardeskin/status/763071105171091458
https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/763071580498825217
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:
https://twitter.com/MattLombardo975/status/763075143145054209
https://twitter.com/Jeff_McLane/status/763074517530836992
An explanation from an unusual place?:
https://twitter.com/jayglazer/status/763082773607411714
Photo credit: AP Photo/Chris Szagola
