Houston Texans player Mario Edwards Jr. has been suspended for four games without pay after violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
The 30-year-old Edwards has started every game for the Texans this season and his absence will be a blow to the Super Bowl hopefuls.
He will not be eligible to return to the field until Houston’s Week 10 game against the Detroit Lions.
Edwards has collected 18 tackles, five quarterback hits and two sacks so far this season against the 5-1 Texans.
Fortunately for Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, his absence coincides with the return of defensive lineman Denico Autry.
Mario Edwards Jr. has been suspended for four games after violating the NFL’s drug policy
Autry is serving a six-game suspension but will return in Week 7 against the Green Bay Packers.
Autry was banned on July 29 for violating the NFL’s policy against performance-enhancing drugs.
The Texans are also missing star receiver Nico Collins, but their offense continued to thrive Sunday thanks to the returns of running backs Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce.
The Texans had 192 yards rushing in a 41-21 win over the New England Patriots and improved to 5-1 for their best start since 2012.
Collins was out for the first of at least four games after being placed on injured reserve last week with a hamstring injury.
But Mixon returned after sitting out three games with an ankle injury and Pierce was back after a four-game absence with a hamstring injury.
Mixon had 13 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown and added 30 yards with another score as the Texans scored their most points of the season.
Pierce added 76 yards rushing and a TD to help Houston to its third straight victory.