David Onyemata Suspended Six Games After Testing Positive for PED

Defensive tackle David Onyemata is facing a six-game suspension for after testing positive for a banned substance.

Onyemata Update:  David Onyemata's suspension will be for six-games.  The Advocate's Amie Just shared a statement from an NFL spokesperson:

"Onymatata has been suspended without pay for the first six games of the 2021 regular season for violating the NFL Policy of Performance-Enhancing Substances.  He will be able to participate in all preseason practices and games.

Onyemata will be eligible to return to the Saints' active roster on Tuesday, Oct. 26, following the team's Week 7 game at Seattle. "

---

It appears that the Saints will be without their top defensive tackle for some time in 2021. According to his personal Instagram account, David Onyemata has revealed that he's tested positive for a banned substance and will be facing a suspension.

In his post, this is what Onyemata said:

I was informed by the NFLPA yesterday that I have tested positive for a banned substance resulting in a suspension for part of the 2021 NFL season. While I was certainly surprised and disappointed with this news, I am responsible for what I put in my body. As I have never knowingly taken anything that could cause a positive test, we are currently in the process of testing the supplements I was taking at the time of the test. Regardless, I am committed to being more aware of any medication and dietary supplements that may contain substances banned by the NFL. 

The Saints are not deep at defensive tackle after losing Sheldon Rankins to free agency and trading away Malcom Brown. They are banking on some big leaps from Shy Tuttle and Malcolm Roach. This figures to be a huge blow to their defense, and the suspension has not been formally announced. He already served a one-game suspension in 2019 for having marijuana in his home.

New Orleans does have some free agent cash to spend, and we talked about Geno Atkins being a good insurance policy. This may force the Saints' hand to do some searching.

---

Read More Saints News:

• Saints News: Truss Levelz Podcast Season 2 Debuts with Drew Brees
• Saints Training Camp Schedule Released
• Remembering Tom Benson's Legacy on His Birthday
• James Hurst Could Play a Pivotal Role for the Saints Offensive Line
• Veterans the Saints Could Look At Before Training Camp
• Mickey Loomis Talks Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill
• Position Groups Saints Need for 2021 Success
• The Many Saints of New Orleans: All-Pro WR Michael Thomas
• What Are The Saints Strongest Positions Heading Into 2021?
• Erik McCoy: On the Verge of NFL Stardom with Saints
• Can WR Jalen McCleskey Catch-On With the Saints Receiving Corps?