Adrian Fedkiw
Lane Johnson had his suspension hearing Tuesday and is facing a 10-game ban for a second offense against the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Despite all that, Johnson is expected to play Sunday when the Philadelphia Eagles visit Detroit to take on the Lions, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Caplan.
Johnson’s attorney Steve Zashin issued a statement on the matter.
“There are a number issues relative 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.”
Les Bowen tweeted that the arbitrator’s ruling takes about 7-to-10 days and with Sunday approaching before that time frame, that’s why Johnson is most likely going to suit up.
The main takeaway so far: typical arbitration timeframe is a week to 10 days, so Lane Johnson plays in Detroit.
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) October 4, 2016
The hearing lasted nearly eight hours.
If the suspension is upheld next week before the Eagles head to Washington, Johnson wouldn’t be eligible to come back until the second-to-last game of the season when Philly hosts the New York Giants.