Jim Wyatt recently broke the unfortunate news that Nazeeh Johnson was receiving a six-game suspension. Here is what he had to say.
"Titans defensive back Nazeeh Johnson has been suspended for the club's first six regular season games without pay for violating the NFL's Performance-Enhancing Substances Policy. Johnson is eligible to participate in all preseason activities, including games. The suspension will begin on August 30 and he will be eligible for reinstatement on Monday, October 19," Jim Wyatt said when discussing the reasoning for why Johnson is being suspended.
Titans safety details PED suspension, pregnancy loss
https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-db-nazeeh-johnson-suspended-for-first-six-games-of-the-2026-regular-season
"My wife and I were trying to conceive a child," Johnson announced on his personal X account following the six-game suspension. "We found out that I was infertile, and I took a fertility medication that was helping me try to conceive a baby. I was not aware that there was a substance in the medication that was on the banned list, and I tested positive for a PED. Lesson to all NFL players and new players coming into the league: do not put anything in your body without following the process and getting approval beforehand. We lost our baby a few weeks ago, and this has been an incredibly difficult time for my wife and me. Fortunately, we have nine good eggs left, so we're holding on to hope that we'll be able to grow our family."
Nazeeh Johnson's PED suspension tied to doctor dispute
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Winchester Star reported that Johnson was told the medication would be fine to take. According to Johnson's account, the doctor later said he did not recall that conversation.
"Johnson said Clomid was recommended to him by a doctor not affiliated with the Kansas City Chiefs, the team he spent the first four years of his NFL career with. Before taking Clomid, Johnson said he checked with a doctor affiliated with the Chiefs to see if it was OK to take it. Johnson said he was told he could. However, after Johnson learned he had tested positive for banned substances in March, Johnson said that doctor told him he doesn't remember having that conversation," The Winchester Star reporter said.
"Johnson had an appeal hearing in front of an arbitrator on July 22 in which he sought to have the suspension nullified or reduced. In a phone interview on July 22, Johnson thought the hearing in which he provided a complete medical history went well. But Johnson was told on Wednesday that his appeal was denied."
Nazeeh Johnson suspension strains Titans defensive backs
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
As for the Titans, they will be taking another step in the hopes of figuring out their 53-man rotation and their lineup at defensive back. Prior to being suspended, Johnson was expected to be one of the players to make the cut and would serve as a second-or-third-string defensive back.
While the Titans still have players like Jalen McMurray they can use in a variety of roles, this is a real blow to the depth, leaving Tennessee with little margin for further injuries or suspensions at defensive back. This group isn't especially deep compared to other positions, and one setback like this one is difficult to absorb.
The Titans could be in danger if they don't get the depth chart sorted out, as between this suspension and recent injuries, the secondary's margin for error before the season begins is thin.
