BREAKING NEWS: Houston Texans star player to serve a six-game suspension missing the first third of the season

The Houston Texans could have done without this news, especially right before their first preseason game. The team has learned that newly signed pass-rusher Denico Autry, a key player in their revamped defensive line, will miss the first six regular-season games due to a suspension. The former Tennessee Titans defensive lineman tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), though he disputes the violation.

Autry, who joined Houston on a two-year contract this offseason, insists he never knowingly used any PEDs. He attributes the positive test to an issue with a prescription from his doctor. According to a press release from Autry (via ESPN), he claims that a pharmacy mistakenly included a banned substance in a prescription for a different medication.

Autry has cooperated with the NFL and his legal team, providing documentation to prove that he did not intentionally or knowingly ingest a banned substance. The possibility of an appeal could potentially reduce or overturn his suspension, but that remains uncertain.

Regardless of any appeal outcome, Autry will be sidelined until Week 7, missing games against the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Indianapolis Colts. However, he will still be able to practice and participate in preseason games until the regular season begins, after which he will be prohibited from being at the facility or involved with the team.