The Houston Texans are returning a vital asset to their defensive line before Monday’s showdown in Arlington.
The NFL officially reinstated veteran defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr. from his four-game suspension on Tuesday afternoon.
Edwards, who signed a one-year deal this offseason with the reigning AFC South champions, was suspended without pay for violating the NFL’s substances of abuse policy.
The news broke on the same day that fellow defensive lineman Denico Autry was officially reinstated from a six-game suspension for a performance-enhancing drug policy.
Before being suspended, Edwards has started every game for the Texans this season. Through six games, he ranked third on the team in sacks (two), sixth in tackles (18) and registered five quarterback hits with two tackles for loss.
We have been granted a one-game roster exemption (Reserve/Suspended list) for Mario Edwards Jr. pic.twitter.com/tRthDefCOr
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 11, 2024
In his final game before the suspension, the former second-round pick out of Florida State recorded eight tackles against the New England Patriots.
According to KPRC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Edwards has been working out at the Texans’ training facility and is ‘ready to go’ when the Texans visit AT&T Stadium to take on the Dallas Cowboys on ‘Monday Night Football.’
Edwards’ return comes at an ideal time after starter Foley Fatukasi left Week 10’s loss against the Detroit Lions in the third quarter with a foot injury. His status remains questionable.
As does former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr., who left in Week 9’s loss against the New York Jets after suffering an ankle injury during the first quarter. A favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, Anderson didn’t play in Sunday’s 26-23 loss against the Detroit Lions.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.