Keion White subjected to ‘random’ NFL drug test after dominant performance vs. Bengals

Keion White recorded 2.5 sacks in the Patriots' win over the Bengals on Sunday.

Keion White had a fantastic season debut for the Patriots on Sunday, recording 2.5 sacks and making life miserable for Bengals QB Joe Burrow throughout New England’s 16-10 upset win over Cincinnati.

It’s clear that the NFL took notice of White’s breakout performance at Paycor Stadium, as the second-year defensive end revealed on Monday that he was subjected to the league’s “random” drug testing less than 24 hours after his team’s victory.

“The boys got me on my day off,” White posted on Instagram account with a photo of the NFL’s request for a test taped to his locker at Gillette Stadium.

White, whose role as a pass-rusher is expected to expand following the potential loss of Christian Barmore for the season and Matthew Judon’s August trade to the Falcons, made the most of his opportunity on Sunday.

The 25-year-old White built off a strong preseason by routinely bull-rushing Cincy’s beleaguered offensive line. He beat former teammate and current Bengals tackle Trent Brown clean for a sack on the second play of the game that led to a fumble, while later splitting a sack with Ja’Whaun Bentley in the second quarter.

White delivered once again in crunch time, taking down Burrow on a 3rd-and-5 situation in the fourth quarter that snuffed out one of the final chances for the Bengals to orchestrate a rally against New England.

Along with his 2.5 sacks, White recorded four total tackles, two tackles for a loss and three QB hits in Sunday’s Week 1 victory, with the 2023 second-round pick earning a team-best 90.3 rating from Pro Football Focus for his efforts in the win.

“Keion brings a lot to the table,” Bentley of White’s play after the victory. “He’s a dynamic player. I think you guys just saw what he’s capable of. So, right now, I’d say the sky’s the limit for him. A lot of potential.”