The Houston Texans’ potent defensive line took a hit on Monday from the NFL front office.
Veteran defensive lineman Denico Autry has been suspended for the first six games for a violation of the NFL performance-enhancing drug policy. Autry, who signed a two-year, $20 million, with $10 million guaranteed, earlier this offseason, was expected to be a multi-purpose defensive lineman for the AFC South champions.
Autry was not at practice during Monday’s training camp.
“Over the course of my ten-year NFL career, I have never engaged in use of performance enhancing drugs,” Autry said in a written statement. “Over that period, I have been subject to countless tests, none of which have ever returned a positive result. I was, stunned this offseason when I learned that one of my tests returned a positive result.
“I want to be clear, at no time did I know or even suspect that this medication contained a banned substance. Upon discovering the source of the positive test, I immediately retained legal counsel in connection with this matter. My counsel provided the NFL with information, including documentation from my doctors, establishing that I neither asked for nor was prescribed any banned substances.”
#Texans DE Denico Autry is being suspended 6 games for violating NFL policy against performance enhancing drugs.
He has released a statement saying, “It was important to me that the NFL know that I did not intentionally or even knowingly ingest a banned substance.“
Full: pic.twitter.com/1zc7k8eyTb
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 29, 2024
Autry, 34, stated he did not know the medication contained a banned substance but would not fight the league on the suspension. He also apologized to the Texans’ organization, his teammates and the fans.
“I want to assure our fans that my commitment to competing to the best of my ability has only grown and I look forward to returning to the field,” Autry said in the statement.
Texans Denico Autry has been suspended 6 games for violating NFL performance enhancing drug policy.
One of the best pass rushing units takes an early season hit.— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) July 29, 2024
One of the top names on the market this offseason. Autry totaled a career-high 11.5 sacks during his final year for the Titans. A combination of both defensive tackle and defensive end, Autry had rotated in both spots.
Autry’s suspension puts Houston in a little bit of a bind. One of the selling points of bringing in the former defensive end was his previous experience in multiple defensive lineman roles, thus making life easier for roster cuts.
Currently, the Texans’ defensive line doesn’t feature a talent that can excel in both spots with the same consistency as Autry. Veteran Mario Edwards Jr. is likely the closest to the role and should be considered the initial replacement entering the regular season.
Not having Denico Autry obviously isn’t ideal but I do think the DT room has the depth to hold up until he is back.
Foley Fatukasi
Mario Edwards
Khalil DavisHave all been impressive during camp and should be able to hold it down until Autry comes back. pic.twitter.com/cFvbjLEfBd
— Jacob (@Stroud4AllPro) July 29, 2024
There was a good chance Edwards made the roster as a veteran depth piece, but the Texans may need him to do more on passing down up the middle. This could also mean another veteran like Jerry Hughes makes the squad since Houston could use a full-time defensive end.
For now, the Texans might have to find another replacement in free agency for the remainder of camp.
Coach DeMeco Ryans, who met with the media before the news became official, will speak on the situation during Tuesday’s practice.
