In a surprising turn of events, newly signed Houston Texans defensive end Denico Autry is set to miss the first six games of the upcoming NFL season due to a suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Autry, who joined the Texans earlier this year, released a statement expressing his shock upon hearing the news. According to the statement, the 34-year-old emphasized that he had never engaged in the use of performance-enhancing drugs throughout his ten-year NFL career. Autry further revealed that he had been subjected to numerous tests over the years, none of which had ever yielded a positive result.

However, during the offseason, Autry was notified that one of his tests had turned up positive. Immediately launching an investigation into the matter, Autry discovered that a pharmacy, which his doctors had submitted a prescription to for a different medication, had inadvertently included a banned substance. Autry asserts that he had no knowledge or suspicion of the presence of a banned substance in the prescribed medication.

Taking swift action, Autry enlisted the help of legal counsel, who promptly provided the NFL with extensive information, including documentation from his doctors, proving that the defensive end had neither requested nor been prescribed any prohibited substances. Autry made it clear that he did not intentionally or knowingly ingest a banned substance.

Although Autry intends to explore legal options regarding the circumstances surrounding his positive test, he has accepted the NFL's six-game suspension as per the league's policies. In his statement, Autry also took the opportunity to apologize to the Texans organization, his teammates, and the fans for any distraction his suspension may cause.

Putting the incident behind him, Autry expressed his unwavering commitment to competing to the best of his ability upon his return to the field. The defensive end, who entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie in 2014, has previously played for the Oakland Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, and Tennessee Titans before joining the Houston Texans for the upcoming season.

As Autry continues to serve his suspension, the Texans will need to make adjustments to their defensive lineup in his absence. The team will be relying on the depth and talent of their remaining defensive players to step up and fill the void left by Autry until he makes his return to action. The Texans organization and their fans will undoubtedly be eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see Autry back on the field following his suspension.