Report: Lane Johnson will be suspended four games

According to Paul Domowitch of the Daily News, starting right tackle Lane Johnson will be suspended for the first four games of the season for testing positive for performance enhancing drugs.

Johnson struggled in his first four games last year, particularly against the Chiefs and Broncos, but settled down as the season progressed as he and right guard Todd Herremans began to gel. Johnson had a much more positive outlook heading into his second season in the pros.

Johnson's absence will have a trickle down effect. Versatile backup Allen Barbre is likely to start in Johnson's place for the first four games. Barbre played well replacing Jason Peters against the Packers last season, but he is the only proven depth along the Eagles' offensive line. Should the Eagles suffer another loss at OG or OT between now and Week 4, the remaining options (Matt Tobin, Dennis Kelly, Michael Bamiro, Andrew Gardner, and a handful of undrafted free agents) are dicey, at best.

In May, the Eagles hosted former Packers OG Daryn Colledge, but did not sign him. Colledge remains a free agent. The Eagles are a good bet to begin kicking the tires on more offensive linemen to add to their depth.

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