The Texans will get Denico Autry back from suspension in Week 7, but the team will be without Mario Edwards for a notable stretch. The latter was issued a four-game ban for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. 
Edwards will thus be sidelined until Week 10, dealing a notable blow to Houston’s defensive front. The free agent pickup has logged a 59% snap share so far this season. That matches the highest total of his career, so his absence will be felt as the team looks to continue its strong start to the campaign.
An NFL journeyman well before he decided to head to Houston, Edwards spent his first three seasons with the Raiders. That time was followed by short stints with the Giants, Saints, Bears, Titans and Seahawks. The 30-year-old inked a one-year deal to return to the AFC South this spring, signing for just over the veteran minimum ($1.65MM, $500K guaranteed). Serving as a full-time starter during his debut Houston campaign, Edwards has provided strong value to date.
The Florida State product posted one sack in each of the team’s first two games, and he recorded a season-high eight tackles during Sunday’s win over the Patriots. That production could be difficult to replace in the short term, although getting Autry back will certainly help in that regard. Autry received a six-game PED suspension in July, but now that he has served that penalty the Texans will receive a one-week roster exemption for him. A corresponding move will need to be made for Autry to return to the active roster if he is not activated ahead of Houston’s Week 7 game.
Edwards is once again a pending free agent, and today’s news is obviously an unwanted development with respect to his market value. A strong start to the season will lead to his expectations for his return, however. The Texans rank third in total defense, and they will look to remain among the league’s top units without Edwards in the picture for the time being.