Texans DE Denico Autry suspended for six games for potent drug offenses

Denico Autry will miss the opening portion of the 2024 season. The Texans defensive end issued a statement confirming he was suspended for six games for violating the league’s PED policy.

Autry’s statement suggests he accidentally ingested a banned substance while taking a prescription drug. The 34-year-old has no history of using performance-enhancing drugs, but this ban will sideline him early in his career with the Texans. Autry will not appeal the suspension.

The former UDFA began his career with the Raiders and started 18 times in his four seasons with the team. Autry then began his tour of the AFC South with a three-year stint with the Colts. In Indianapolis, he was a full-time starter and recorded 20 sacks. He played for the Titans from 2021-2023 and remained a key member of the team’s pass rush.

Autry averaged 9.0, 8.0 and 11.5 sacks during his Tennessee seasons before landing in Houston. The Mississippi State product signed a two-year deal with the Texans this offseason, giving the team another established player from the side. In Houston’s offseason, the free agent went from Jonathan Greenard, but he was replaced in the starting eleven by Danielle Hunter.

The latter will be paired with the third overall pick of 2023 Will Anderson in anchoring Houston’s pass rush. Autry was expected to play a big role in that regard as well, but his season debut will now be delayed. The former UDFA will forfeit $1.5 million in salary, $500,000 in lost signing bonuses, as well as $177,000 in weekly roster bonuses, as detailed by Spotrac. In addition, Autry’s remaining salary for 2024 ($3 million) is no longer guaranteed.

The Texans also have people like Derek Barnett, Jerry Hughes And Dylan Horton on the sidelines. They are expected to improve, especially in the first six games of the season. Autry will make his season debut in Week 7 against the Packers.