Tennessee Titans defensive back Nazeeh Johnson has been suspended without pay for the first six regular-season games of the 2026 NFL season for violating the league’s Performance-Enhancing Substances Policy, according to statements released by the NFL and local media reports. The disciplinary action, announced in August 2026, prevents Johnson from participating in games through mid-October, though he remains permitted to take part in preseason practices and exhibition matchups.
Timeline of the Suspension and Reinstatement Details
According to league announcements, Johnson’s six-game suspension officially begins on August 30, 2026. Under the terms of the NFL substance policy, he is eligible to be reinstated by the league on Monday, October 19, 2026. If he successfully secures a spot on the Titans’ 53-player roster following training camp cuts, he would first become eligible to play in a regular-season game on October 25 against the Cleveland Browns.
The Titans’ schedule during Johnson’s six-game absence features matchups against the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts. Because the suspension covers only regular-season contests, the defensive back can continue building his case for roster inclusion during the remainder of the preseason.
Context Behind the Positive Test and Appeal
Speaking to the Winchester Star, Johnson explained that the positive test stemmed from taking a fertility drug, Clomid, which he and his wife used in an effort to conceive. According to his account, the positive sample was collected in February before he formally pursued an appeal on July 22. Despite the ongoing league process, the Titans signed Johnson on July 27 near the opening of training camp, releasing cornerback Latrell McCutchin to clear a roster spot.
Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi brought familiarity to the signing, having crossed paths with Johnson during their shared time in Kansas City. The defensive back spent the previous four seasons with the Chiefs after arriving as a seventh-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Marshall University.
Roster Impact and Preseason Performance
Standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 199 pounds, Johnson appeared in 29 regular-season games with six starts across four years in Kansas City, primarily contributing on special teams while recording 66 tackles, three passes defensed, and three tackles for loss. He also earned two Super Bowl championship rings during his tenure with the Chiefs and started six games during the 2024 campaign.
Since arriving in Nashville, Johnson has worked to showcase his versatility on the field. During Tennessee’s opening preseason game in San Francisco, he registered five tackles—tying for the team high—and reportedly intercepted a pass during a joint practice session with the 49ers.
What Comes Next for the Titans Secondary
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