PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 26: Lane Johnson #65 of the Philadelphia Eagles sits on the bench prior to the game against the Washington Redskins on December 26, 2015 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Eagles will be forced to play their next 10 games without starting right tackle Lane Johnson. According to the team, his 10-game suspension has been upheld. He'll be eligible to return in Week 16.
Johnson's counsel says it will consider taking further legal action after reviewing the decision further.
Johnson was suspended for violating the league's substance abuse policy just before the start of the season. He reportedly tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs, though he admitted to taking only approved amino acids.
It's possible Johnson's legal team can sue to delay his suspension further, but that remains to be seen. As it stands now, Johnson's ban will be enforced beginning at 4 p.m. ET Tuesday.
As for the Eagles, they'll likely have two options to replace Johnson. Rookie Halapoulivaati Vaitai is a candidate to step in at right tackle, as is current left guard Allen Barbre. This week of practice will likely determine which route the Eagles take.
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