TEXANS NEWS
One of Houston Texans' top additions in free agency suspended for six games
Jul 29, 2024, 12:48 pm
Demico Autry has been suspended by the NFL. Composite Getty Image
Expectations have never been higher for the Houston Texans as they enter the season favorites to win the division, and with a starting quarterback who is currently the second-favorite to win MVP only behind Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Unfortunately for Houston, they received some bad news on Monday that will keep one of their blockbuster offseason additions out for the first six games of the season.
Ian Rapoport is reporting that Denico Autry will miss the first six games of 2024 for violating the NFL policy against performance enhancing drugs. Autry released the following statement below:
#Texans DE Denico Autry is being suspended 6 games for violating NFL policy against performance enhancing drugs.
He has released a statement saying, “It was important to me that the NFL know that I did not intentionally or even knowingly ingest a banned substance.“
Full: pic.twitter.com/1zc7k8eyTb
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 29, 2024
“Over the course of my ten-year NFL career, I have never engaged in the use of performance enhancing drugs. 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,” Autry said, via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
“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.
Autry (age 34) recorded 11.5 sacks for the Titans last season. He will miss matchups against the Colts, Bears, Vikings, Jaguars, Bills, and Patriots. He's slated to return against the Packers in Week 7.
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As the Houston Texans gear up for the 2025 season, all eyes are on OTAs, where key storylines and position battles are already taking shape. One of the most intriguing developments is unfolding along the offensive line. Coaches are clearly keeping their options open, and the answers may not be as obvious as they seem.
Meanwhile, fans are taking notice of Cam Robinson holding down the left tackle spot, while Tytus Howard has been moved inside to right guard — a significant shift that raises questions about long-term strategy and player fit. The reshuffling up front is just one part of a larger evaluation process underway.
Further down the roster, the wide receiver room is heating up with fierce competition for the final spots. Several fringe players are turning heads, looking to carve out a role behind the established starters. These battles could stretch well into training camp.
On the other side of the ball, expectations are high for the defense entering Year 3 under head coach DeMeco Ryans. After a strong showing last season, the unit is now being challenged to take the next leap. At the heart of that effort is Will Anderson Jr., who looks poised for a breakout year. His growth could be a game-changer for the Texans' pass rush.
From offensive line shakeups to rising defensive expectations, there’s no shortage of drama or development in Houston. With the 2025 season approaching, these OTAs are offering a crucial glimpse into what this team might become.
Be sure to watch the video below as ESPN Houston's Jeremy Branham and Joel Blank share their thoughts on the early developments at OTAs.
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