EAGLES RIGHT TACKLE LANE JOHNSON ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson has announced his retirement from the National Football League after 14 seasons with the team. Johnson had been unexpectedly scratched from the Eagles' lineup on Sunday, with the team citing "personal reasons" at the time. He confirmed the decision in a statement posted on social media on Tuesday. Johnson said he wanted to play one more season but had decided his mental health and family priorities had to take precedence. He said he owed it to his teammates, coaches, the organisation and supporters to have his full focus on the game, and that his instinct was now telling him it was time to step away.

Johnson was drafted by the Eagles in the first round in 2013 and went on to start 171 regular-season games plus 15 play-off matches over his career. According to NBC Sports, the team's record stood at 122-63-1 with Johnson in the side, compared with 18-30 without him, including Sunday's defeat. He was named to six Pro Bowls and was selected first-team All-Pro on two occasions, and he won two Super Bowl titles during his time with the franchise. Johnson missed time at the start of training camp this year and said his mother had been dealing with health issues when he rejoined the squad. He also missed seven games last season because of a Lisfranc foot injury.

Johnson's retirement brings an end to a 14-year spell with the Eagles, during which he established himself as one of the franchise's longest-serving players. In his statement, he said he had pushed his body to its limits season after season and had worked to set a new standard for the team. The Eagles have not yet commented publicly on how they intend to fill the right tackle position following his departure. No further statements from the club or Johnson have been reported beyond his retirement announcement.