Lane Johnson Suspended 10 Games: Latest Comments and Reaction

Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson is reportedly appealing a 10-game suspension for a second performance-enhancing drug violation. 

Darren DeGaetano of WIP Philly first reported news of the possible ban on Aug. 9. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirmed the report regarding the suspension and noted it is currently in the appeal stage.

On Monday, Johnson told reporters he plans on playing Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, per Philly.com's Paul Domowitch, who added there has been "no word" on Johnson's B sample.

At the time of the initial report, Jay Glazer of Fox Sports provided further information about the situation:

"Just heard from [Johnson], says he took an amino acid that was approved but tested positive for peptide. Fighting it as well as company. You're responsible for what goes in your body but he insists it was approved. Waiting on B sample."

"Until it happens, we go full steam, but we also have to be smart enough to have people ready if it's upheld," Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, on Aug. 11.

"I have to anticipate (Johnson) will be suspended," Pederson added, per Ed Kracz of Calkins Media.

On Aug. 13, Johnson told reporters "It's been a nightmare," and maintained he did nothing wrong. He added he did everything possible in order to avoid taking an illegal supplement, including having the NFLPA look at it, per Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com. 

Johnson's agent, Ken Sarnoff, provided a statement on the situation on Aug. 9, per Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer:

Johnson was previously suspended for the first four games of the 2014 season after his first violation of the league's PED policy. He took responsibility for that failed test after taking a drug prescribed by a family physician, per Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

"As a professional, you're supposed to be aware of what you put in your body and take precautions," Johnson said. "That's something I didn't do, and now I pay the price."

He refused to discuss further details about the situation, citing privacy concerns about the drug he took and the condition that was being treated at the time. It wasn't immediately clear what the second reported failed test was for, either.

Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News noted Johnson downplayed the widespread reports Tuesday during an exchange of text messages:

A suspension would be a major setback for both Johnson and the Eagles.

The 26-year-old tackle signed a monster contract extension this offseason that included $35.5 million in guaranteed money, according to Brandon Lee Gowton of Bleeding Green. Field Yates of ESPN reported the contract protects the Eagles against a suspension, though:

Yates noted that doesn't mean the money automatically goes away, but it would no longer be guaranteed. Joel Corry of CBS Sports also pointed out a third PED suspension results in a two-year ban, if Johnson's 10-game suspension is eventually confirmed by the NFL.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia would be forced to reshuffle a line that's already trying to fill the void left by a Jason Peters quad injury. Matt Tobin and Dennis Kelly are likely the next players up should Peters' injury linger or Johnson's reported suspension come to fruition.

Joe Banner of ESPN also highlighted the potential impact on the Eagles' trade with the Cleveland Browns for the second overall pick in this year's draft, which included Philly's first-rounder in 2017:

Ultimately, Johnson's responses to Bowen and Glazer don't make it clear how long it could take before a final decision is made. Bowen also noted an NFL spokesperson declined to comment on the situation.