Denico

Autry

Autry 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.” According to Autry, he wrongfully received medication from a pharmacy that was supposed to provide him with a different medication as prescribed by a doctor. Autry said he sought legal counsel and “provided the NFL with information, including documentation” from his doctors as proof that he “neither asked for nor was prescribed any banned substances.” Autry said he accepts the six-game suspension but also plans to look into legal options as they pertain to his situation. Autry totaled 50 tackles and a career-high 11.5 sacks for the Texans last season. He will be eligible to return in Week 7 when the Texans take on the Packers at Lambeau Field.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports the deal includes $10.5 million guaranteed. That’s a nice haul for a player going on 34. With the Titans the past three seasons, Autry registered at least eight sacks each of the past three years, including a career-high 11.5 in 2023. He’s going to max out in the 600-700 snap range, but he is a great piece to add for the Texans’ fast-improving defense.

Good news for Justin Herbert and company. Autry got in two limited practices but missed Friday’s practice and was ruled out. There may be more to this story, and Autry may go on injured reserve after avoiding it initially if he had a setback in his recovery.

This is significant because Autry hasn’t practiced since Week 11. Having missed each of the last three games, his return to practice on Wednesday is an early indicator that he could suit up for Week 15 against the Chargers. Prior to his injury, Autry had totaled 20 tackles and seven sacks while forcing one fumble. His return will be a welcomed one as the Titans prepare to make a push for the postseason.

Autry hasn’t practiced since Week 11, making this his third straight missed game. The Titans will also be without LB David Long (hamstring) and CB Kristian Fulton (core) on defense this week.

It’s the second straight missed game for Autry, who was injured against the Packers and missed the Bengals game last week. The Titans will go with a rotation of Mario Edwards and Rashad Weaver to fill Autry’s snaps.

Vrabel said that they were “lucky” regarding the injury. It’s yet another blow to a Titans front seven that has lost Harold Landry for the season, missed Bud Dupree the last few weeks, and has barely been able to get Jeffery Simmons practicing. Somehow they will still pick up three more sacks next week against the Bengals.

Autry left the game in the third quarter and immediately went to the locker room with a knee injury. He is questionable to return to Thursday Night Football against the Packers.

The deal includes $9 million guaranteed. Headed into his age-31 campaign, Autry just played out his three-year contract in Indianapolis, where he did a little bit of everything along the Colts’ defensive line. Autry reached 7.5 sacks two of the past three seasons. The Titans need all the help they can get on defense, and Autry can provide it in more than one spot.

Autry has missed Indianapolis’ last two games while on the COVID list. With four sacks in his last three starts and six total on the year, Autry will be welcomed back with open arms immediately against Houston. DT DeForest Buckner remains on the COVID list as of Thursday.