Tag: Mario Edwards suspended

Is Mario Edwards playing today? Injury news update for Texans defensive lineman

Mario Edwards Jr. is officially reinstated from his suspension entering Monday Night Football against the Cowboys.

The Houston Texans are nearing full strength with the return of linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and wide receiver Nico Collins entering Week 11’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on ‘Monday Night Football.’

Even without Will Anderson, Houston should be content with its pass rush at AT&T Stadium on primetime. That could be because of the return of defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr.

Will the veteran defensive tackle be cleared to play on Monday night? Here’s the final update entering AT&T Stadium

Mario Edwards Jr. update

Edwards, who was suspended for four games without pay for violating the NFL’s substances of abuse policy, was activated to the final 53-man roster on Monday prior to kickoff. He’s not only expected to play but also start.

The Texans haven’t had an entire starting defensive line on the field at the same time through 10 games. Fellow free-agent signee Denico Autry was suspended for the first six games without pay for violating the NFL’s substances of abuse policy. Defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi was ruled out with a foot injury earlier this week.

Anderson, a favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, is also out this week after suffering an ankle injury in Week 9’s loss against the New York Jets.

He’s expected to be back at some point this season.

Mario Edwards Jr.’s stats

A former second-round pick out of Florida State, Edwards has started six games at defensive tackle. Before the suspension, he ranked third on the team in sacks (two), plus five quarterback hits and two tackles for loss.
Texans DL depth chart
With Edwards back but Fatukasi out, here’s a look at the Texans defensive line depth chart heading into Monday’s game:  
  • Mario Edwards Jr. 
  • Tim Settle
  • Denico Autry (will shift inside on third down)
  • Kurt Hinish
  • Tommy Togiai

Settle is expected to start, while Autry should see a majority of reps on the outside in place of Anderson.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. on ABC and ESPN.

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

While the Houston Texans are getting back Denico Autry, they’re set to lose Mario Edwards Jr. for the next 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.

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1845918472070381583 

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.