Key Houston Texans player suspended for six games by the NFL during training camp

The Houston Texans got some rough news on Monday. As of now, they will be without one of their top defensive linemen for the first third of the 2024 season, due to suspension.

Texans DL Denico Autry suspended 6 games

Over the course of my ten-year NFL career, I have never engaged in the use of performance enhancing drugs. Over that period, I have been subject to countless tests, none of which have ever returned a positive result.

I was, therefore, stunned this offseason when I learned that one of my tests returned a positive result. I immediately investigated the matter and discovered that a pharmacy to which my doctors submitted a prescription for a different medication, had, whether intentionally, recklessly, or negligently, included a banned substance. I want to be clear, at no time did I know or even suspect that this medication contained a banned substance. -- Denico Autry

His statement clearly points to no attempt at wrongdoing on his end.

Autry joined Houston after three years with the Tennessee Titans. With the signing, he has now played for three of the four teams in the AFC South. He played with the Indianapolis Colts from 2018-2020.

He was expected to be a key piece for the Texans defensive line this season. They must try to replace his production with other players now.

Regardless, it makes life harder on Houston as of now. Autry projected as an impact rusher with inside and outside versatility. Alongside Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, that trio had the potential to be the best in the entire NFL for this season.

Related: Former Titans defender Denico Autry suspended by NFL after jumping to Texans in free agency