Eagles' Johnson Files Charges Against NFL, NFL Players Association

By ESPN

Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson has filed charges against the NFL and NFL Players Association with the National Labor Relations Board, his attorney Steve Zashin confirmed in a statement to ESPN's Adam Caplan.

"Lane also filed a complaint against the NFLPA with the Department of Labor ("DOL") under the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act," the statement reads.

"During Lane's appeal, it became apparent that the written words in the collectively bargained Performance-Enhancing Substances ("PES") Policy, under which Lane was disciplined, are meaningless."

"The PES Policy, as written, guarantees rights, protections and due process to players in recognition of the enormous consequences of discipline," the statement continues.

"The NFL and the NFLPA have undermined these protections, leaving the players -- including Lane -- with a hollowed-out process devoid of any protections. The actions of the NFL and NFLPA violate federal law.

"Lane trusts that he can get a fair hearing with the NLRB and the DOL."

Johnson is currently serving a 10-game suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing drugs policy for a second time. He believes the positive test was the result of taking an amino acid he purchased online that was contaminated. Johnson said at the time that he checked the contents on the label with an app provided by the NFLPA.

"I feel like the players have no rights. The supplement industry is not regulated, so you do not know what's in it. That's hard to believe, coming from a second-time offender, but I want that to be clear -- that the NFLPA does not stand up for players," Johnson said in August. "They don't check the supplements. They give us an app. Then if you call and ask them if you test positive for something they approve, it doesn't matter."

Johnson began serving the suspension in mid-October, after losing the appeals process, which he described as "eight hours of bickering back and forth and discussing league policy."

"It just felt good going in there and taking it head on. It was mainly just a conversation on the policy [the NFL has] in place. It didn't have to do with any substances, mainly just changing the testing procedures," he said.

"Man, the thing was, just face it head on. We weren't going to be intimidated by the NFL."

Johnson has four games remaining on his suspension and is eligible to return for the Eagles' second-to-last game against the New York Giants.

Chicago Bears

Jay Cutler's shoulder injury thrusts Matt Barkley into the starting lineup for Sunday's game against Tennessee. Barkley's only 2016 action occurred on Oct. 20 in Green Bay when he completed 6 of 15 pass attempts for 81 yards and two interceptions. Barkley's career pass rating is 34.2. The Bears will also be without tight end Zach Miller (foot) and linebacker Jerrell Freeman (PED suspension). Linebacker Leonard Floyd (neck) avoided serious injury at MetLife Stadium but is currently in the NFL's concussion protocol. -- Jeff Dickerson

Indianapolis Colts

There's no replacing quarterback Andrew Luck (concussion), who is not expected to play against the Steelers on Thursday night. That's a given. But they also have concerns with cornerback Vontae Davis (ankle). He was seen wearing a boot on his foot earlier this week. Defending Steelers Pro Bowl receiver Antonio Brown would be challenging enough for Davis when completely healthy. He'll really have his hands full trying to slow the speedy Brown down while bothered by his ankle injury. -- Mike Wells

Thursday, November 24 Schedule (All Times Central)

Minnesota at Detroit, 11:30 a.m.

Washington at Dallas, 3:30 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Indianapolis, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, November 27 Schedule (All Times Central)

Tennessee at Chicago, noon

Jacksonville at Buffalo, noon

Cincinnati at Baltimore, noon

Arizona at Atlanta, noon

New York Giants at Cleveland, noon

Los Angeles at New Orleans, noon

San Francisco at Miami, noon

San Diego at Houston, noon

Seattle at Tampa Bay, 3:05 p.m.

Carolina at Oakland, 3:25 p.m.

New England at New York Jets, 3:25 p.m.

Kansas City at Denver, 7:30 p.m.