Saints DT David Onyemata suspended for banned substance

New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata (93) walks onto the field during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Saints DT David Onyemata suspended for part of 2021 season after testing positive for banned substance

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 7/16/21

The New Orleans Saints will be without David Onyemata to start the 2021 season.

The veteran defensive tackle announced via Instagram that he has been suspended for part of the 2021 season after testing positive for a banned substance. The length of his suspension is not yet clear.

One of the #Saints best defensive players will be off the field and suspended to start 2021. https://t.co/r8MSS6FISE
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 16, 2021

The Saints selected Onyemata in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. In 15 games last season, he recorded a career-high 6.5 sacks, one interception, two pass breakups, 44 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss and 16 quarterback hits.

When he finally returns to the field, Onyemata expects to be even better in 2021.

"When I go into a season, I go in to be a sponge and to be able to take coaching," Onyemata told John DeShazier of the Saints website. "Because the moment you think you're better than you actually are, you're going to get surprised by the football gods."

The Saints don't have much depth at defensive tackle after losing Sheldon Rankins to free agency and trading away Malcom Brown. So, Onyemata's suspension could prove to be a huge loss for the defense.

Onyemata previously served a one-game suspension in 2019 for having marijuana in his home.

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