Eagles OT Lane Johnson Officially Suspended 4 Games For PED Violation

The NFL announced that former Eagles first-round pick OT Lane Johnson has been suspended for four games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing substances.

#Eagles Lane Johnson has been suspended for the first 4 games of 2014 for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) July 23, 2014

Johnson is  eligible to participate in Eagles’ training camp and in the preseason. He won’t be able to return to the active roster until September 29.

Johnson has released a statement regarding his suspension:

“In April while training, I mistakenly and foolishly put a prescribed medication in my body to help with a medical issue. I mistakenly failed to clear it with Eagles trainers and check the NFL list of banned substances. I am extremely sorry for this mistake and I will learn from it and be smarter in the future.

I would like to sincerely apologize to Mr. Lurie, Howie Roseman, Coach Kelly and his staff, my teammates and our amazing Philadelphia Eagles fans. This will be very hard on me to not be battling with my teammates for four games – but I will be ready and better than ever when I return.

The Eagles used the No. 4 overall pick on Johnson after he was an extremely impressive talent throughout the draft process last year.”

Johnson allowed the sixth most sacks of any offensive tackle and the eight most quarterback hurries in his first year in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. Overall, they had Johnson rated as the No. 46 offensive tackle in the league due to his above average run-blocking ability.

Allen Barbre figures to be the team’s starting right tackle to open the season while Johnson is serving his suspension.