Mario Edwards suspension: NFL punishes Texans pass rusher for substance abuse policy violation

The NFL announced Monday it has suspended Houston Texans (5-1) defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. four games without pay for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Edwards will be eligible for reinstatement on Nov. 11 following Houston’s Week 10 home matchup against the Detroit Lions (4-1), per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Edwards has served as a starter along the Texans’ defensive line this season after signing a one-year, $1.65 million deal with team this offseason. The 30-year-old has been impactful, tallying 18 tackles (eight solo), two tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and five quarterback hits.

Edwards was a standout in Sunday’s 41-21 Week 6 road win over the New England Patriots (1-5), recording eight tackles (six solo) and one quarterback hit.

Texans lose Mario Edwards, get veteran pass rusher back

Fortunately for the Texans, they do have an immediate replacement for Edwards. Denico Autry, the 34-year-old defensive end, is back this week after serving a six-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.

Houston signed Autry to a two-year, $20 million contract this offseason. Edwards did a fine job stepping in for the veteran, who will look to get up to speed ahead of this Sunday’s Week 7 road contest against the Green Bay Packers (4-2).

“Denico is coming off a suspension and he’ll fit right in very smoothly,” head coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday. “He understands how we play. Denico has been a productive pass rusher in this league for a long time… I’m expecting him to pick up where he left off, come in and be disruptive. And play the way he plays. He plays hard, he plays relentless, and he fits right in with our group.”