October 11, 2016
The Lane Johnson suspension saga appears that it may have finally reached a conclusion. According to Albert Breer of the MMQB, Johnson's 10-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance enhancing drugs was upheld.
Per lawyer Steve Zashin, Eagles OT Lane Johnson has been informed his 10-game suspension has been upheld.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) October 11, 2016
Breer also posted a text message from Johnson's attorney on Twitter:
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
During the preseason, in anticipation of Johnson's suspension, the Eagles opted to move starting left guard Allen Barbre out to right tackle, with free agent acquisition Stefen Wisniewski filling the vacated starting spot at left guard.
More recently, Doug Pederson confirmed a report that the Eagles might opt to leave Barbre at left guard and give rookie fifth-round pick Halapoulivaati Vaitai a chance to fill in as the new starting right tackle. Vaitai has yet to dress for a game this season, as he has appeared on the Eagles' inactive list for all four games.
If indeed Johnson's suspension will begin immediately, he will miss the following games:
Johnson would be eligible to return for the Eagles' final two games, which would be against the Giants and Cowboys.
UPDATE: Eagles Executive Vice President of Football Operations Howie Roseman issued the following statement:
“We’re very disappointed that Lane Johnson has been suspended 10 games. His actions have affected the entire organization. We are all working under a clearly-defined set of rules and regulations set forth by the NFL in the collective bargaining agreement with the NFLPA. Moving forward, he has no choice but to hold himself accountable to Jeffrey Lurie, Coach Pederson and his staff, his teammates, and to the entire organization and our fans. When he returns from suspension, we will continue to support him and welcome him back to the team. We are moving on with our preparations for this week’s game in Washington.”
UPDATE No. 2: According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Eagles intend to start Vaitai at right tackle this week in Washington.
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