**Texans' Mario Edwards Jr. Suspended for Four Games**

Houston Texans defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr. will miss the next four games without pay due to a violation of the NFL’s substances of abuse policy, as announced by the league on Monday. Edwards, a consistent starter for the Texans this season, has made notable contributions to the defense, ranking third on the team with two sacks, in addition to recording five quarterback hits and two tackles for loss.

Edwards’ suspension will last until November 11, at which point he will be eligible for reinstatement when the Texans face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11. Despite the setback of losing such a pivotal player, the team anticipates the return of another key defensive asset.

Defensive lineman Denico Autry, who has just finished serving his own six-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy against performance-enhancing substances, is set to return to the field as the Texans gear up for their Week 7 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Autry, who signed a two-year, $20 million contract with Houston in March, is coming off a standout season with the Tennessee Titans, where he achieved a career-high 11.5 sacks.

The Texans hope that Autry's return will bolster their defensive line in Edwards’ absence, as they aim to maintain strong defensive performances in the upcoming weeks.