NFL suspends Eagles’ Lane Johnson for 10 games because of PED use

Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson has been suspended for 10 games by the NFL for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Johnson will be eligible to return on Dec. 19. It’s his second suspension. One more would cost Johnson two years. Johnson appealed the positive test, but an arbiter upheld the ruling.

“We are disappointed with arbitrator James Carter’s summary ruling,” Johnson’s attorney, Steve Zashin, said in a statement Tuesday. “We will wait for his formal written opinion. After we review that decision, we will consider all available legal options.”

In January, Johnson signed a 5-year, $56-million contract that included a $10-million signing bonus and $35.5 million guaranteed. His base salary for this season is $675,000, so he has to forfeit $421,875. The suspension also nullifies his guaranteed money.

Eagles executive Howie Roseman said the team is “very disappointed” in Johnson but will “welcome him back” in December.

“His actions have affected the entire organization,” Roseman said. “We are all working under a clearly defined set of rules and regulations set forth by the NFL in the collective bargaining agreement with the NFLPA.”

The Eagles (3-1) visit Washington (3-2) on Sunday.

Rookie Halapoulavaati Vaita will get an opportunity to replace Johnson in practice this week. Coach Doug Pederson also is considering moving Allen Barbre from left guard to right tackle and inserting Stefen Wisniewski or Isaac Seumalo into the starting lineup at left guard.

Etc.

The Minnesota Vikings have signed offensive tackle Jake Long, a former first overall draft pick recently beset by injuries. The Vikings also placed right tackle Andre Smith on injured reserve Tuesday due to surgery required on his damaged triceps. Left tackle Matt Kalil is already on injured reserve following hip surgery, and T.J. Clemmings has had his struggles filling in. Jeremiah Sirles has taken over for Smith. … The Browns have released veteran quarterback Charlie Whitehurst, who became the fifth QB to play for them this season before he got injured his left knee in the final minutes of a loss Sunday. The team, which activated rookie Kevin Hogan off the practice squad, reached an injury settlement with Whitehurst before letting him go. … Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cam Heyward’s ironman streak is over. Coach Mike Tomlin said that Heyward’s left hamstring injury will keep him out of the lineup on Sunday when the Steelers (4-1) travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins (1-4). …

The Detroit Lions have signed running back Justin Forsett to bolster their short-handed backfield. Forsett was released earlier this month by Baltimore after asking to be let go. The Lions are trying to patch up their backfield, which is missing Ameer Abdullah because of foot problems. … The New York Giants have signed cornerback Coty Sensabaugh and linebacker Deontae Skinner. Sensabaugh was a free agent who was released by the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday and Skinner was signed off the practice squad. To make room on the roster, the Giants released defensive tackle Montori Hughes and rookie cornerback Michael Hunter. … The Miami Dolphins waived two offensive linemen — Dallas Thomas and Billy Turner — who flopped in emergency starting roles last week. They started because left tackle Branden Albert (virus) and left guard Laremy Tunsil (ankle) were inactive. … The New York Jets have claimed wide receiver Jeremy Butler off waivers from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and released wide receiver-kick returner Jeremy Ross. ...

Lorenzo Freeman, a former NFL defensive lineman who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants, has died. He was 52. The Westmoreland County coroner says Freeman was found dead Monday at his home in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, after he failed to report for work. He was an assistant coach at Plum High School, working with defensive linemen.