With Lane Johnson beginning his 10-game exile for performance-enhancing substances this week, rookie Halapoulivaati Vaitai will make his first NFL start at right tackle Sunday against the Washington Redskins, coach Doug Pederson said Wednesday.
“Big V,’’ he said when asked who will replace Johnson.
“He’s worked extremely hard,’’ Pederson said of the 6-foot-6, 320-pound fifth-rounder out of TCU. “He’s gone against our defensive front not only in training camp, but has practiced against them every single day. Smart kid, athletic kid, strong kid. I’m just excited to watch him play on Sunday.’’
Sunday not only will be the first time Vaitai will start an NFL regular-season game, but it also will be the first time he even dresses for one.