Texans DE Denico Autry Suspended 6 Games by NFL for Violating PED Policy

The NFL suspended Houston Texans defensive end Denico Autry for six games for a violation of the league's performance-enhancing substance policy.

Autry released a statement saying he never intentionally took a banned substance:

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The Texans signed Autry to a two-year, $20 million contract this offseason. All guarantees in Autry's contract are voided due to the PED suspension, so the team could theoretically move on and attempt to recoup his $6 million signing bonus.

It's much more likely the Texans will allow Autry to serve the suspension with hopes he can come back rejuvenated for Week 7's game against the Green Bay Packers.

Autry is heading into his 11th NFL season and is one of the more successful undrafted stories of his generation. He latched on with the Las Vegas Raiders coming out of Mississippi State and served in their defensive end rotation for four years before leaving for Indianapolis and becoming a full-time starter.

Autry was a fixture in the starting lineup for his three seasons in Indianapolis before joining the Tennessee Titans in 2021. He's coming off the best statistical season of his career, compiling 50 tackles and 11.5 sacks, both career highs.

Mario Edwards Jr. and Jerry Hughes could see more playing time early in the season with Autry suspended.