Good news for Tennessee Titans’ edge rusher Arden Key: he won’t be suspended for a performance-enhancing drug violation after successfully appealing the NFL’s ban. Initially, Key faced a potential six-game suspension, but the details of his appeal remain under wraps.
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Key’s presence is crucial for the Titans’ defense, and losing him would have significantly impacted the team’s performance. Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons shared the positive update on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that Key had won his appeal and noted, “See you guys Sept 8.”
While Key has stayed mum about the situation, head coach Brian Callahan previously indicated that some form of suspension was expected, though a timeline was uncertain.
As one of Tennessee’s key edge rushers alongside Harold Landry III, Key’s role is vital to the team’s plans on defense, especially given the limited depth at outside linebacker. Backup options are Rashad Weaver, Shane Ray, and rookie Jaylen Harrell, but their experience and track record might not match Key’s.
In 2023, Key earned six sacks, ranking third on the Titans, and he signed a three-year, $21 million deal with the team in March. Despite the recent drama, he won’t play in the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks as the starters will sit out, according to Callahan.
Over his seven-year career, Key has played for several teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, and Jacksonville Jaguars. He’s not the only player facing suspensions this season; Rams backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will also miss the first two games due to a similar violation.
With everything settled, Key and the Titans are gearing up for their regular season opener against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 8.
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