Eagles, Pederson preparing for possible Lane Johnson suspension

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson is preparing for starting right tackle Lane Johnson to be suspended by the NFL.

Johnson reportedly is in line for a 10-game suspension for violating the league's performance enhancers policy. He previously served a four-game ban in 2014 for using a banned medication that he said he had a prescription for, but that he never checked with Eagles trainers or doctors.

The fourth overall draft selection in 2013, Johnson started Thursday night's 17-9 win over Tampa Bay. He was not available in the locker room afterward.

"I have to anticipate there's a chance" Johnson will be suspended, Pederson, in his first game as Eagles coach, said. "It's smart on my part to have a Plan B."

Johnson has started all 44 games in which he was eligible in his NFL career.

"I'll be disappointed, but at the same time it's out of my hands," Pederson said, adding he had not talked with Johnson about the potential suspension.

Philadelphia's starting right guard, Brandon Brooks, left Thursday's game in the first quarter with a biceps injury. Pederson said it was not serious.

"We've got the bodies to be able to fill that role," Pederson said of the right tackle slot, mentioning the Eagles would rotate players there if necessary. "We'll see who's next best; maybe somebody who hasn't played there this spring or summer.

"I've got to focus on the whole football team."

The Eagles didn't have their regular left tackle, Jason Peters for the preseason opener. He is dealing with a quadriceps problem.

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