Pederson: Birds must prepare for possible Johnson suspension

Doug Pederson is preparing for the possibility that Lane Johnson is suspended 10 games for his second violation of the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs, as reports have indicated. Johnson has not been suspended, but Pederson said he "must anticipate" that the suspension could be levied.

"You've always got to be mindful of that, obviously, in the back of your mind," Pederson said. "If that's the case, if it's upheld, we've got to be prepared to make some moves. And until it happens, we go full steam, but at the same time, we also know we've got to be smart about it to have people ready to go, if it is upheld."

Even though he used the word "upheld," Pederson said he has not been notified of a pending suspension. He expects an appeals process. But he admitted it would be smart to prepare for a "Plan B," which means the Eagles will rotate players in at right tackle with the first-team offense.

Johnson started at right tackle Thursday in the Eagles' 17-9 preseason win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Pederson said he had not spoken to Johnson about the issue. He said he must treat the players "like grown men" and would be disappointed if the allegations are true.

Pederson mentioned backup right tackle Dennis Kelly, backup left tackle Matt Tobin, starting left guard Allen Barbre, and rookie right tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai. He said the team will not need to bring in a free agent because "we've got the guys who can fill that role."

"That's something [offensive line coach Jeff] Stoutland and I, we'll make the decision to see who's next best available," Pederson said. "And maybe somebody who hasn't played there this spring or this summer. It could be a guy who's already been there. We've just got to make all those combinations work for the next couple of weeks. We're still in training camp mode and we've got time to figure this out."

Starting right guard Brandon Brooks left the game with a right biceps injury. He told reporters that he was fine and that it was just a strain.

"I appreciate the concern Eagles fans but nothing serious I'll be fine just a precaution," Brooks wrote on Twitter.

Brooks signed a five-year, $40 million contract in March to upgrade the offensive line. He missed the first week of training camp with a hamstring injury.

Center Josh Andrews exited the game in the third quarter with a right ankle injury.

The Eagles played Thursday without four starters: left tackle Jason Peters (quadriceps), safety Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring), wide receiver Jordan Matthews (knee), and linebacker Mychal Kendricks (hamstring).

They were also missing running back Wendell Smallwood (quadriceps), defensive end Marcus Smith (concussion), defensive tackle Mike Martin (knee), cornerback JaCorey Shepherd (hamstring), and wide receivers Hunter Sharp (hamstring), and Marcus Johnson (quadriceps).

Matt Tobin started at left tackle in place of Peters. Chris Givens started at wide receiver for Matthews. Najee Goode took Kendricks' spot at linebacker, and Chris Maragos was a starter at safety.

Running back Kenjon Barner played Thursday after being evaluated earlier this week for a quadriceps injury. Barner was also the team's top punt returner.