The Houston Texans will be without defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr. for the next four games after the NFL suspended him for violating the league's performance-enhancing drugs policy. The suspension, which begins immediately, stems from an unspecified substance that Edwards was found to have taken.
The Houston Texans' defense has taken a hit with the suspension of defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr. for four games for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy. The suspension, announced on Monday, is effective immediately, meaning Edwards will miss the Texans' next four games, including a Week 11 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
NFL Suspends Texans Defensive Tackle Mario Edwards Jr. for PED Violation
Edwards, a 10-year NFL veteran, has been a key contributor for the Texans this season, starting all six games and recording two sacks, 18 tackles, and one pass defensed. His absence will leave a void in the Texans' defensive line, which has been one of the team's strengths this season.
The suspension stems from an unspecified substance that Edwards was found to have taken. The NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy prohibits players from using a wide range of substances, including anabolic steroids, growth hormones, and diuretics.
NFL Suspends Texans Defensive Tackle Mario Edwards Jr. for PED Violation
Edwards' suspension is the latest in a string of PED-related suspensions handed down by the NFL this season. In July, Tennessee Titans defensive end Denico Autry was suspended for four games for violating the same policy. Autry, who is now a member of the Texans, maintained that he did not knowingly ingest a banned substance and that the positive test resulted from a mix-up at a pharmacy.
The Texans have some depth on their defensive line, which includes Autry, who is expected to return from his suspension this week against the Green Bay Packers. However, Edwards' absence will still be felt, as he has been one of the team's most consistent performers this season.
NFL Suspends Texans Defensive Tackle Mario Edwards Jr. for PED Violation
The Texans are currently 1-4-1 and in last place in the AFC South. They will face a tough test in their next game against the Packers, who are 3-3 and coming off a bye week.
Edwards' suspension is a setback for the Texans, but it is not the end of the world. The team has some depth on its defensive line, and Edwards is expected to return after serving his suspension. The Texans will need to find a way to replace his production in the meantime, but they believe they have the players to do so.
In addition to Autry, the Texans have other players who could step up in Edwards' absence. Defensive end Rasheem Green has started two games this season and recorded one sack. Defensive tackle Roy Lopez has also started two games and has recorded three tackles.
The Texans will also need to get more production from their other starting defensive tackles, Maliek Collins and Thomas Booker. Collins has recorded one sack this season, while Booker has yet to record a sack.
The Texans are hoping that Edwards' suspension will be a wake-up call for the team. They need to start playing better if they want to turn their season around. Edwards' suspension is a setback, but it is not an excuse. The Texans need to find a way to win without him.
