Eagles Tackle Lane Johnson Facing 10-Game Suspension

The Philadelphia Eagles offense has enough problems to worry about. No doubt the latest news along their offensive line is most unwelcome.

Already the team is trying to break in a new coaching staff with a new system. They have question marks at running back, no definitive options at wide receiver and a bubbling quarterback controversy between veteran Sam Bradford and #2 overall pick Carson Wentz. One of the few things they needed to remain stable was their offensive line, but even that seems to have suffered a serious setback thanks to Lane Johnson.

Expectations were high for Johnson going into 2016. The former 1st round pick had finished last season playing all 16 games and showed continued progress in his blocking despite the struggles of the line as a whole. Some even wondered if the time was right for him to finally replace aging Pro Bowler Jason Peters at left tackle. Now such speculation seem pointless.

He was already suspended once before in 2014 for PED violations so this would be his second such offense. Despite that the Eagles remained steadfast in their belief he was a key part of their future and signed him to a six-year contract extension in January. It would seem they made the move before having all the facts. Never mind not having him for 10 games, but it’s clear one more violation will garner a third suspension for an entire season.

Time will tell on what happens with his appeal of the motion and what Philadelphia plans to do with him whenever he returns.