Johnson says he’s appealing 10-game PED ban
PHILADELPHIA >> The noisy celebration following back-to-back wins under Eagles rookie Carson Wentz has run head-on into a big obstacle.
Offensive tackle Lane Johnson confirmed in a text message he’s appealing a 10-game suspension after testing positive for PEDs.
The next step for Johnson, who started the first two games, is to present his case to an arbitrator during the bye week.
Johnson should be available for the Eagles’ game Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Johnson has argued the substance causing his positive test wasn’t on the list of ingredients in the supplement he took. He also has said he ultimately is responsible for what he puts in his body.
That sentiment is shared by Eagles head coach Doug Pederson, who won’t deal with Johnson’s suspension until it becomes just that.
“Until I hear from the league office, Lane’s my starting right tackle,” Pederson said. “But until that time, we’re full go until then.”
The Eagles have been having trouble keeping hits off Wentz, who somehow hasn’t turned the ball over in two games despite being sacked four times and tattooed double that figure.
If the suspension is upheld, Pederson said he would move left guard Allen Barbre to right tackle and play either rookie Isaac Seumalo or veteran Stefen Wisniewski at left guard, as the Eagles did in training camp.
The suspension is steep because Johnson is a second-time offender. He was suspended the first four games of the 2014 season after testing positive for a banned substance. At that time Johnson accepted responsibility for not checking the substance with the trainer.
Johnson has said he intends to drag the process out as long as he can.
Mychal Kendricks sustained a nose fracture and quad contusion against the Bears.
The linebacker is day-to-day, according to Pederson, but “should be OK for this weekend’s game against Pittsburgh.”
Kendricks took a shot to the forehead. He played just 20 of 52 snaps.
Seumalo is day-to-day with a pectoral strain. He’s been scratched all season.
Scratched Monday, cornerback Leodis McKelvin (hamstring) and tight end Zach Ertz (rib) are progressing in rehabs per the coach, who says they’re game-time decisions this week.
Kicker Caleb Sturgis was cramping during the game, per Pederson.