The Houston Texans are facing an early challenge to their defensive depth this season with defensive end Denico Autry being handed a six-game suspension by the NFL for a violation of the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy.
Despite the surprise of the suspension and the presence of PEDs in his system, Autry has taken responsibility for his actions, stating, “I did not intend to violate the league’s PED policy, but I will accept the punishment.” According to ESPN, Autry explained that the pharmacy he used switched out the prescription recommended by his doctor for one that contained the banned substance.
In light of Autry’s absence, Mario Edwards Jr. and Tim Settle are expected to step up and take on more responsibilities in training camp and the early part of the season. This will be an opportunity for them to showcase their skills and prove their worth to the team.
While this setback may not spell doom for the Texans, it certainly presents a challenge for the team as they navigate through training camp and the start of the regular season without one of their key defensive players. As they say, it’s never easy in the world of professional football.