Why did NFL suspend Denico Autry? League comes down hard on Texans DE with 6-game suspension

The Texans have been hit with some bad news after Denico Autry was suspended for six games of the 2024 season. The NFL found him to be in violation of the performance-enhancing substances policy.

He will be eligible to return after October 14th and will not be paid for the six matches that he misses. He remains eligible to participate in preseason games and practice sessions. The NFL said:

“Denico Autry of the Houston Texans is suspended without pay for the first six games of the 2024 regular season for violating the NFL’s Performance-Enhancing Substances Policy, it was announced today.

"He may participate in all preseason practices and games.Autry will be eligible for reinstatement on October 14 following the Texans’ Week 6 game against the New England Patriots.”

It's a huge blow for the Texans since he was brought in this year to stiffen their defense, which was their weak spot last season even though C.J. Stroud had the offense humming.

Denico Autry had a career-high 11.5 sacks for the Tennessee Titans in 2023 and Houston would have had high hopes for him. But with him now missing more than a third of the season, they might have to look for other options to begin their 2024 season.

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Denico Autry apologizes to Texans, denies intentional wrongdoing

Denico Autry released a statement that said that he was stunned to receive a positive test for a performance-enhancing drug since he had never failed one before.

He put it down to a pharmacy sending a medication that was prescribed by his doctor and had the banned substance. The defensive end wrote:

"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 added how he has retained legal counsel and informed the league of his side of the story. He also apologized to the Texans, teammates and fans for the distraction and promised to return even stronger.

"I want to apologize to the Texans organization, my teammates, and the fans for any distraction this may cause. Finally, 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."

It's indeed something the Texans wouldn't have been expecting but now have to figure out a way around it.