Houston Texans DT Mario Edwards Jr. suspended four games

HOUSTON -- Houston Texans defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr. has been suspended four games without pay for violating the NFL's substances of abuse policy, the league announced Monday.

Edwards will be eligible for reinstatement Nov. 11 when the Texans prepare to play the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11. He has started every game for the Texans this season, is third on the team in sacks (two), has five quarterback hits and two tackles for loss.

The Texans should be able to withstand the loss of Edwards as defensive lineman Denico Autry returns from his six-game suspension as Houston prepares to play the Green Bay Packers in Week 7.

Autry, who signed a two-year, $20 million deal in March after posting a career-best 11.5 sacks last season for the Tennessee Titans, was suspended on July 29 for violating the NFL's policy against performance-enhancing substances.