Tag: Denico Autry

Watch: Texans LB records first career interception vs. Lions

The Houston Texans defense continues to slow the Detroit Lions offense and linebacker Henry To’oTo’o recorded his first interception

In a game won by defense, the Houston Texans continue to shine.

More importantly, they’re showing up against a surging Detroit Lions offense that’s averaged over 30 points per game in their past three outings.

After scoring on its previous drive, Houston recorded its second takeaway against the Lions when defensive end Denico Autry got his hands on quarterback Jared Goff and forced the ball into the air.

The ball tipped up and hung long enough for Henry To’oTo’o to secure his first interception of the season.

The Lions have not had two turnovers in a game since Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Conicidently, that marked their other lone loss of the season.

Autry, one of several free agency signings, missed the first six games of the season with a PED suspension. In the four games since he’s returned, he’s notched a quarterback hit in each outing, including a two-sack performance a week ago against the New York Jets.

Not only was that To’oTo’o’s first interception of the season, but it marked the first of his NFL career. The former Alabama started six games last year and appeared to be the team’s top backup behind Azeez Al-Shaair and Christian Harris.

With Harris sidelined, has played well in eight games. He might not be so inclined to give it back once he former Crimson Tide teammate is healthy.

Watch: Denico Autry records first sack of season on primetime

Denico Autry finally recorded his first sack as a member of the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football.

It only took eight games, but Denico Autry finally recorded his first sack with the Houston Texans.

On the New York Jets opening drive, Autry pulverized Aaron Rodgers on third-and-10 for a loss for six yards and an eventual punt deep in New York territory.

Autry, who was suspended back in July for the first six games due to a PED suspension, has played back-to-back games as a rotational option behind Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.

The sack also marked the first tackle for Autry of the 2024 season. Houston’s

Houston’s offense has been quiet through three drives, meaning the defensive could be in line to win a one-dimensional game at MetLife Stadium.

Texans DL Mario Edwards Jr. suspended by NFL for four games

While the Houston Texans are getting back Denico Autry, they’re set to lose Mario Edwards Jr. for the next four games.

Houston Texans defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. has been suspended four games without pay for violating the NFL’s substances of abuse policy, the league announced Monday.

Edwards, who signed a one-year deal to join the Texans this offseason, was enjoying a career-setting start to the 2024 campaign as part of a talented front seven. In Sunday’s win over the New England Patriots, the veteran defensive lineman recorded a season-high eight tackles.

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1845918472070381583 

In six games, Edwards recorded 18 tackles, two tackles for loss, five quarterback hits and two sacks. He will be eligible for reinstatement on November 11 following Houston’s matchup on Sunday Night Football against the Detroit Lions.

The loss of Edwards stings for depth, but Houston should be able to withstand his loss with the return of Denico Autry. The multi-purpose defensive lineman was reinstated by the NFL Monday after serving a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy against performance-enhancing substances.

Autry, who signed a two-year, $20 million deal in March after posting a career-high 11.5 sacks last season with the Tenessee Titans, has practiced since being suspended on July 29.

According to KPRC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Autry has been working out at the Texans’ training facility and is healthy and in shape.

The Texans travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers this Sunday at noon CT.

Texans HC DeMeco Ryans stands behind suspended DL Denico Autry

The Texans stand behind Denico Autry following his six-game suspension dropped by the NFL.

The Houston Texans will be without defensive lineman Denico Autry for the first six games of the regular season after violating the NFL’s policy against performance-enhancing substances.

Until then, the AFC South champions will have to make do. They’ll wait until he’s back on the field offering a unique blend of power and speed up the middle.

While disappointed, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said the organization would stand behind Autry and his statement that/ he did not knowingly take a banned substance.

“Unfortunate news to hear,” Ryans said Tuesday prior to the team’s trip to Canton for the Hall of Fame Game. “We’ll move forward. He’s here. He’ll continue to work throughout training camp. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there this season.”

Signed to a two-year, $20 million contract, Autry was expected to be the pass-rushing do-it-all defensive lineman in place of the departed Maliek Collins. Even at 34, the 11-year veteran showed few signs of slowing down after totaling a career-high 11.5 sacks in his final year with the Titans.

Autry did not dress out for training camp practice on Tuesday. He’ll still be allowed to practice and run through drills leading up to the end of the preseason but will be placed on the suspended list come Week 1.

“It doesn’t change our evaluation process,” Ryans said. “We’ve known about this for a while so it doesn’t change where we are.”

In his place, the Texans plan to turn to Mario Edwards Jr., another veteran with position flexibility. Signed to a one-year deal, Edwards was expected to compete at defensive end. Before Monday’s practice, Houston changed his position on the depth chart to defensive tackle.

“I play all up and down the line, wherever they need me to make a play,” Edwards said Monday of the position switch.

In Ryans’ defense, the “SWARM” mentality takes priority. Four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter mentioned that when playing in the front seven, there’s an “attack” notion over a fundamental approach.
Edwards feels the same from the inside.

“It is attack and put your hands on somebody, man against man, bloody somebody’s nose, just that real aggressive style of football that we like,” he said.

Autry, who joins Houston from a 3-4 defense under Mike Vrabrel, also could shift in the defensive end rotation. For now, the Texans must find a replacement who can add pressure from the outside.

If the Texans look to keep things internal, veteran Jerry Hughes could have the inside track at the final spot on the 53-man roster. He spent the past two seasons with Houston and led the team with 9.5 sacks in 2022. He also signed a one-year deal days before training camp started and already understands his role as a rotational specialist.

The Texans won’t return to the Methodist Training Center until after their second preseason against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Aug. 9.

Where do Texans turn following suspension of Denico Autry?

The Houston Texans must now find a way to replace the production lost by Denico Autry entering the 2024 season.

While the Houston Texans still should be viewed as the favorites to win the AFC South, their defensive line depth took a hit on Monday morning.

Veteran defensive lineman Denico Autry, who signed a two-year, $20 million deal this offseason, has been suspended for the first six games of the season after violating the NFL’s policy against performance-enhancing drugs, the league announced Monday.

Autry, who did not practice on Monday in front of fans, released a statement saying that while he denied the use of PEDs, he would accept the punishment. He also apologized to the organization, fellow Texans teammates and the fans.

“Over the course of my ten-year NFL career, I have never engaged in the use of performance-enhancing drugs,” Autry said in a statement. “Over that period, I have been subject to countless tests, none of which have ever returned a positive result. I was, stunned this offseason when I learned that one of my tests returned a positive result.

“I want to assure our fans that my commitment to competing to the best of my ability has only grown and I look forward to returning to the field.”

Autry, who totaled a career-high 11.5 sacks last season, was expected to be an essential part of the Texans’ front seven in 2024 as an upgraded replacement for Maleik Collins. The 34-year-old offers a unique blend of size, power and speed that can be used at both defensive tackle and defensive end.

That was a selling point for Houston in the offseason. Now, the Texans must pivot to someone else for the role, but who?

Should they look to promote from within, the closest player to Autry’s skillset is Mario Edwards Jr. A fellow veteran who signed this offseason. Edwards has experience seeing reps on the outside for run plays and up the middle on passing downs.

Autry was the better player, having totaled 59 career sacks between his 10 seasons, though Edwards’ 21.5 sacks still are impressive for a player with reps at multiple spots.

“Wherever coach wants me to make a play and make it happen,” Edwards said Monday following practice. “It doesn’t matter to me. I play all up and down the line, wherever they need me to play.”

Houston potentially also could see a similar role for Jerry Hughes, who signed a one-year deal to return before the start of the regular season. In a sense, he played the position well last season as the No. 3 edge rusher behind Will Anderson Jr. and Jonathan Greenard.

Much like Autry, he would also shift inside on passing down to bolster the interior pass rush up the middle against quarterbacks.

Should the Texans elect to bring in someone from free agency, Carl Lawson could be the top name on the market. A former starter for the Bengals and Jets, Lawson has experience playing in a similar defensive front under Robert Saleh.

Before Ryans took over as the 49ers defensive coordinator, that title belonged to Saleh. Over his three seasons with the Jets, Lawson, 29, totaled seven sacks and nine tackles for loss.

Other names who could fill Autry’s place on the defensive line include Charles Harris, Yannick Ngakoue, Marquis Haynes, Rasheem Green, and Kyle Phillips.

Autry will be eligible to return on Oct. 14 following the Texans’ Week 6 game against the New England Patriots. He can still participate in team activities, including practices and preseason games until the regular season begins.

The suspension will begin the first week of September. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans will address the situation further on Tuesday following practice.

The Texans leave Wednesday for Canton, Ohio, to take on the Chicago Bears in the Hall of Fame Game Thursday night.

Former Titans’ DE Denico Autry suspended six games

Autry spent the past three seasons with the Titans.

Former Tennessee Titans defensive end Denico Autry has been suspended by the NFL for the first six games of the 2024 NFL season for violating the league’s performance enhancing drugs policy, as first reported by Ian Rapoport.

Autry, 34, who signed a two-year deal in free agency with the Houston Texans, is set back a pretty penny. The former Titan will lose $1.5 million of salary, $500k of signing bonus, and $177k of per-game bonus. Additionally, the full guarantee for his remaining $3M of 2024 salary has voided.

Despite being suspended, Autry is maintaining his innocence, indicating, “It was important to me that the NFL know that I did not intentionally or even knowingly ingest a banned substance.“

Here is his full statement:

Autry enjoyed a career revival in Nashville after spending the first seven years of his career in Oakland and Indianapolis. In three seasons with the Titans, Autry amassed 108 tackles, including 30 tackles for loss, 54 quarterback hits, 28.5 sacks, 14 pass deflections, and four forced fumbles.

Last year alone, he established career highs in tackles (50) and sacks (11.5) and matched previous career bests in pass deflections (4) and forced fumbles (2).

As the saying goes, “the best ability is availability,” and Denico Autry will not provide that for his new team. The Titans will see the Texans for the first time in Week 12 in Houston. Autry will make his return to Nissan Stadium in Week 18.

Texans DE Denico Autry suspended for six games for PED violation

Denico Autry, who signed a two-year deal this offseason with the Houston Texans, now will miss the first six games of the regular season.

The Houston Texans’ potent defensive line took a hit on Monday from the NFL front office.

Veteran defensive lineman Denico Autry has been suspended for the first six games for a violation of the NFL performance-enhancing drug policy. Autry, who signed a two-year, $20 million, with $10 million guaranteed, earlier this offseason, was expected to be a multi-purpose defensive lineman for the AFC South champions.

Autry was not at practice during Monday’s training camp.

“Over the course of my ten-year NFL career, I have never engaged in use of performance enhancing drugs,” Autry said in a written statement. “Over that period, I have been subject to countless tests, none of which have ever returned a positive result. I was, stunned this offseason when I learned that one of my tests returned a positive result.

“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.”

Autry, 34, stated he did not know the medication contained a banned substance but would not fight the league on the suspension. He also apologized to the Texans’ organization, his teammates and the fans.

“I want to assure our fans that my commitment to competing to the best of my ability has only grown and I look forward to returning to the field,” Autry said in the statement.

One of the top names on the market this offseason. Autry totaled a career-high 11.5 sacks during his final year for the Titans. A combination of both defensive tackle and defensive end, Autry had rotated in both spots.

Autry’s suspension puts Houston in a little bit of a bind. One of the selling points of bringing in the former defensive end was his previous experience in multiple defensive lineman roles, thus making life easier for roster cuts.

Currently, the Texans’ defensive line doesn’t feature a talent that can excel in both spots with the same consistency as Autry. Veteran Mario Edwards Jr. is likely the closest to the role and should be considered the initial replacement entering the regular season.

There was a good chance Edwards made the roster as a veteran depth piece, but the Texans may need him to do more on passing down up the middle. This could also mean another veteran like Jerry Hughes makes the squad since Houston could use a full-time defensive end.

For now, the Texans might have to find another replacement in free agency for the remainder of camp.

Coach DeMeco Ryans, who met with the media before the news became official, will speak on the situation during Tuesday’s practice.

What’s the status of the Texans’ defensive tackle position?

While the Houston Texans have added in starting talent at defensive end, defensive tackle remains a mystery heading into training camp.

The Houston Texans have very few questions surrounding the roster entering 2024.

The defensive tackle position might be the most significant unknown after three training camp practices.

Both starters from the AFC South championship roster are gone. Sheldon Rankins was in talks of a new deal but chose to sign a long-term contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. Maleik Collins was traded to the 49ers for a late-round pick.

While the Texans were able to swing big with the additions of Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter and veteran Denico Autry, they elected to bargain buy with tackles Foley Fatukasi, Mario Edwards and Tim Settle Jr.

Collins and Rankins combined for over 1,300 reps, 11 sacks and 17 tackles for loss last season. The new trio, plus Khalil Davis, Kurt Hinish and rookie Marcus Harris, now must make up for the lost production.

Who takes over for last year’s starters? Right now, defensive coordinator Matt Burke considers it too early to tell.

“We feel pretty good about our depth there,” the second-year coordinator said Saturday following practice. “A lot of guys with some different skill sets, and we’re just going to — we are literally rolling through on that basis and seeing how that kind of shakes out. We feel like we added a lot of depth in that room, in that position specifically.”

Settle and Edwards have multiple years of experience and have started in a pinch. Hinish and Davis rotated in last season as the primary backups to Collins and Rankins.

The defensive tackle position has been a glaring weak spot for the team in terms of longevity since 2020. General manager Nick Caserio had options early in the draft but elected to draft Georgia standout Kamari Lassiter with the No. 42 overall pick and Notre Dame lineman Blake Fisher with pick No. 57.

But the Texans have found success with one-year rentals and under-the-radar options each offseason. Burke can see that even if there isn’t a standout on paper, that doesn’t mean one won’t emerge in the coming days and throughout the season.

“It’s going to be a pretty good competition to see how that plays out,” Burke said. “There’s nothing set in stone at any position right now, but that’s a very fluid position for us, for sure.”

Texans DL Denico Autry named one of NFL’s most underappreciated players

Houston Texans defensive lineman Denico Autry is finally getting his flowers from NFL.com.

Denico Autry is a jack-of-all-trades. He might become a master of one soon now as a member of the Houston Texans’ defensive line. 

Autry, who signed a two-year, $20 million deal this offseason to join the AFC South champions, is looking to make plays. Where will that be this fall? At defensive end opposite Danielle Hunter?

At defensive tackle next to Will Anderson Jr.?

At both spots? 

That versatility is a vital skill that makes Autry perhaps the league’s most undervalued defensive lineman. According to NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice, his contributions aren’t as respected at the national level as other veteran talents. 

Well, Autry certainly isn’t underappreciated by the AFC South. The former undrafted free-agent signee of the Raiders really came into his own during a three-year stint with the Colts. Then he spent the past three seasons racking up 28.5 sacks with the Titans. And in March, he signed with the Texans, giving Houston a powerful, versatile defensive lineman to complement edge terrors Will Anderson Jr. and fellow free-agent addition Danielle Hunter. Titans star Jeffery Simmons was NOT happy about Autry’s intra-divisional relocation, while Texans OL Tytus Howard appeared quite pleased about not having to block him anymore. – Gennaro Filice

Autry’s success as a pass rusher was on full display during his final season with the Tennessee Titans. Not only did he post a career-high 84.4 success pass rush rate, but he also notched 11 sacks and 36 quarterback hurries. 

At 34, Autry proved there’s still plenty of gas left in his tank. His rep count expanded to 767 snaps last season for the Titans. Even if Houston cut that number by 100, that’s substantial for a defensive lineman with over a decade of experience. 

“I just wanted to come be a part of something that was going in the right direction,” Autry said of why he chose Houston earlier this offseason. “I just wanted to be a part of something great.”

Autry hopes to be a serviceable replacement for Sheldon Rankins as an interior pass rusher opposite Hunter and Anderson. He’ll be on full display when the Texans return to camp on July 18. 

New Texans DL Denico Autry ready to ‘play ball’ regardless of position

Denico Autry might not have a full-time position in 2024 with the Houston Texans, but that doesn’t seem to be a concern for him or DeMeco Ryans.

When the Houston Texans agreed to terms on a two-year, $20 million deal with defensive lineman Denico Autry, there was a long-standing question.

Where would he play?

Would Autry remain at defensive end like he did during his three seasons as a Tennessee Titans?

He’s content with it.

What about defensive tackle? Autry started his career with the Las Vegas Raiders and later Indianapolis Colts lined up in the middle.

Sure, he has no problem reverting back to the position that made him a household name as an undrafted free agent.

Atury, the newest veteran of the Texans’ defensive line, will line up anywhere in 2024 so long as he sees the field. Position-wise, it doesn’t matter where he lines up since the plan of “wreaking havoc,” can come from any spot in the trenches.

“Just put the ball down,” Autry said Wednesday following Day 2 of the three-day minicamp. “I just want to play ball. It don’t matter.”

 

Autry’s experience should factor into his success. Most players regress as they get older. Autry, who turns 34 this season, has only matured in his craft.
He’s coming off his best season in 10 years with 50 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks.

That would have ranked second last season among Texans’ players behind Jonathan Greenard, who swapped teams with former Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter.

Part of the intrigue of signing Autry was his position flexibility. Another? His ability to stay on the field for elongated drives.

“Obviously, he plays hard, he plays with an intensity that’s unmatched and he still finds a way to get in the backfield, moving around, playing multiple spots, whether it’s at the interior, or on the edge,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He’s just a tough hard-nose football player that’s unbreakable.

Last season, Autry played a career-high 767 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. His offseason goals are set on ‘keeping maintenance’ around his body to where it remains in condition for gamedays.

He also enjoys playing, so losing reps to a younger player isn’t an option.

“It’s going to always be that one guy that they bring in to kind of push you out the way,” Autry said. “But if you keep whooping those guys out, you’re going to succeed.”

Anderson is one of five holdovers from last season’s AFC South defensive line. Greenard, who finished with a team-high 12.5 sacks, inked a long-term deal with the Vikings. Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins agreed to terms on a multi-year contract with the Bengals.

After Autry was added, Houston traded starter Maliek Collins to San Francisco in exchange for a seventh-round pick. And among those returning, reps were seldom outside of Derek Barnett on third down and Anderson.

Autry plans to be effective both on the outside and inside, just like he was in Oakland, Indianapolis, and Tennessee. One of the considerable reasons he came to Houston was to build on the team’s success rather than his individual accolades.

“I just wanted to come be a part of something that was going in the right direction,” Autry said. “I just wanted to be a part of something great.”

Ryans, who spent 10 seasons in the NFL, called the North Carolina native one of the league’s more ‘respected players.’ Autry considers himself a laid-back guy who’s easy to jell with in practice.

That is, so long as he sees the field and attacks.

“I ain’t hard to get along with,” he said. “I’m trying to be a great teammate.”