Houston Texans defensive lineman Denico Autry has been handed a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs (PED) policy.
“Over the course of my 10-year NFL career, I have never engaged in the use of performance-enhancing drugs … I was, therefore, stunned this offseason when I learned that one of my tests returned a positive result,” Autry stated, as reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Autry explained the situation further, saying, “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.”
The Texans acquired Autry this offseason with a two-year contract worth $20 million. In 2023, he had a standout season with the Tennessee Titans, achieving career highs with 11.5 sacks and 50 tackles.
Autry’s suspension means he will be eligible to return in Week 7, when the Texans face the Green Bay Packers.
In an effort to strengthen their defensive line over the past two years, Houston made several significant moves. They traded up in the 2023 draft to pick Will Anderson Jr. third overall and recently signed star pass-rusher Danielle Hunter to a two-year, $49 million contract.
Autry, who is now 34, began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent signed by the then-Oakland Raiders in 2014. Throughout his career, he has accumulated 59 sacks and 310 tackles in 142 games.
