Texans defensive lineman Denico Autry suspended for six games for PED violation

HOUSTON – Texans defensive lineman Denico Autry has been suspended for the first six games for a violation of the NFL performance-enhancing drug policy.

Autry has issued a statement through his agent, Rodney Edwards, saying he mistakenly took a banned substance. He has legal counsel representing him in this matter.

Autry’s suspension begins after the preseason. He is eligible for reinstatement Oct. 14 after the sixth game of the season against the New England Patriots.

He was signed to a two-year, $20 million with $10 million guaranteed. Autry, 34, recorded a career-high 11 1/2 sacks last season for the Tennessee Titans.

“Over the course of my ten-year NFL career, I have never engaged in the use of performance enhancing drugs,” Autry said in a statement. “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. 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.

“It was important to me that the NFL know that I did not intentionally or even knowingly ingest a banned substance. I understand, however, that under the NFL’s policies, ultimate responsibility for what enters my body rests with me. To that end, while I intend to explore legal options pertaining to the circumstances that resulted in my positive test, I have accepted the NFL’s punishment of a six-game suspension. 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.”

While the Texans are set at defensive end with Pro Bowl starters Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson, Jr., Autry was a key part of the defense. In his absence, they’ll likely lean heavily on Mario Edwards Jr. for that role and veterans Jerry Hughes and Derek Barnett.

Edwards Jr. is now listed as the starting defensive tackle on the unofficial depth chart.

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com