Saints DT David Onyemata Suspended Six Games

Update:

Saints DT David Onyemata has officially been suspended six games by the NFL for taking a banned substance, per Nick Underhill.  

Onyemata is eligible to return after Week 7’s game against the Seahawks. He will be allowed to participate in training camp and preseason games.

Saints DT David Onyemata announced on Friday that he’s tested positive for a banned substance and has been suspended by the NFL. 

“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,” Onyemata wrote, per Katherine Terrell. “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.”

Onyemata, 28, is a former fourth-round pick of the Saints back in 2016 out of Manitoba College. He finished his four-year, $2.88 million contract and was set to be an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career before signing an extension with the Saints in 2020. 

In 2020, Onyemata appeared in 15 games for New Orleans and recorded 44 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, one interception and two pass defenses. Pro Football Focus had him rated as the No. 7 interior defender out of 125 qualifying players.