Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons recently made headlines by revealing that the suspension imposed on his Tennessee Titans teammate, Arden Key, has been overturned. Simmons first hinted at this development on social media before confirming it on Saturday.
Key had been facing a six-game suspension to start the season for a violation related to the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy.
The official stance from the Titans’ organization, including head coach Brian Callahan, has been cautious. Callahan noted that the team could not comment until they received formal communication from the NFL. Following a narrow 16-15 victory over Seattle, Callahan emphasized the team’s position by stating that the appeal process was in the league’s hands and that they were awaiting an official response. He mentioned that, as the situation was still under review, there was little they could do beyond hoping for a favorable outcome.
Arden Key, who did not address the suspension or the appeal’s result after the game, chose instead to direct media inquiries to his teammates who participated in the match. None of the defensive starters, including Key, played in the preseason game against Seattle. This decision to refrain from commenting was likely a strategic choice, given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the appeal and the lack of official confirmation from the NFL.
Jeffery Simmons broke the news just hours before the Titans’ preseason game, suggesting that Key would be available for the Titans’ season opener against the Chicago Bears on September 8. This is a significant update for the Titans, who had been preparing for the possibility of playing without Key until late October, when they would have faced the Detroit Lions.
The news of Key’s overturned suspension is a relief for the Titans, especially since he was expected to be a key player on the defensive line this season. With six sacks last year, Key was projected to start alongside Harold Landry, bolstering the Titans’ pass rush.
Meanwhile, the NFL had previously announced a six-game suspension for Houston defensive lineman Denico Autry under the same performance-enhancing substances policy. Autry, who played with Tennessee for the past three seasons, was facing a similar penalty, highlighting the league’s strict enforcement of its substance abuse policies.
Overall, Simmons’ announcement brings a sense of clarity and optimism to the Titans, who can now look forward to having Key’s contributions from the start of the season.
