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 given a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Edwards will be sidelined until Week 10, dealing a major blow to Houston’s defensive front. The free agent pickup has posted a snap share of 59% so far this season. This matches the highest total of his career, so his absence will be felt as the team look to continue their strong start to the campaign.

A journeyman in the NFL long before he decided to head to Houston, Edwards spent his first three seasons with the Raiders. This period was followed by short stints with the Giants, Saints, Bears, Titans and Seahawks. The 30-year-old signed a one-year deal to return to the AFC South this spring, signing for just over the veteran minimum ($1.65 million, $500,000 guaranteed). As a full-time starter in his first campaign in Houston, Edwards has provided strong value thus far.

The Florida State product recorded a sack in each of the team’s first two games, and he recorded a season-high eight tackles in Sunday’s win over the Patriots. This production could be difficult to replace in the short term, although Autry’s return 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 have a one-week exemption for him. A corresponding decision will have to be made for Autry to return to the active roster if he is not activated before Houston’s Week 7 game.

Edwards is once again a pending free agent, and today’s news is obviously an unwelcome development in relation to his market value. A good start to the season, however, will raise expectations for his return. The Texans rank third in total defense and they will look to remain among the best units in the league without Edwards for the time being.