Texans DL Mario Edwards Jr. suspended by NFL for four games

Houston Texans defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. has been suspended four games without pay for violating the NFL’s substances of abuse policy, the league announced Monday.

Edwards, who signed a one-year deal to join the Texans this offseason, was enjoying a career-setting start to the 2024 campaign as part of a talented front seven. In Sunday’s win over the New England Patriots, the veteran defensive lineman recorded a season-high eight tackles.

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In six games, Edwards recorded 18 tackles, two tackles for loss, five quarterback hits and two sacks. He will be eligible for reinstatement on November 11 following Houston’s matchup on Sunday Night Football against the Detroit Lions.

The loss of Edwards stings for depth, but Houston should be able to withstand his loss with the return of Denico Autry. The multi-purpose defensive lineman was reinstated by the NFL Monday after serving a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy against performance-enhancing substances.

Autry, who signed a two-year, $20 million deal in March after posting a career-high 11.5 sacks last season with the Tenessee Titans, has practiced since being suspended on July 29.

According to KPRC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Autry has been working out at the Texans’ training facility and is healthy and in shape.

The Texans travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers this Sunday at noon CT.