Reports: Lane Johnson Prepares to Play as Issues Hold Up Decision on Appeal

It looks like Lane Johnson will still be available to play this Sunday in Detroit.

The Eagles' right tackle, who has been handed a 10-game suspension for a second PED violation, had his appeal hearing on Tuesday. And it looks like the issue won't be resolved by the time the Eagles play in Detroit on Sunday.

According to ESPN, the Eagles expect Johnson to be able to play on Sunday, which jives with the fact that he worked with the first team at right tackle during Monday's light practice.

It also seems to jive with the following statement from his agent Steve Zashin released to the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News:

"There are a number of issues related to Lane's appeal. Many of those issues strike at the heart of substantive player protections. We await the decision of the arbitrator. In the meantime Lane will prepare and play as scheduled."

Decision from an arbitrator in these cases can take a week or a few days longer.

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Throughout this process, head coach Doug Pederson has continued to say that Johnson is his right tackle until he's no longer available.

If Johnson is finally forced to sit out games, the Eagles will likely move right guard Allen Barbre from left guard to right tackle and then replace him with either veteran Stefen Wisniewski or rookie Isaac Seumalo. The Eagles began for that possibility during training camp, when they moved Johnson to second team.

Johnson was originally suspended four games in 2014 after a first positive test for a banned substance.

The Eagles (3-0) take on the Lions (1-3) in Detroit on Sunday.

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