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The Houston Texans are getting a massive boost to their roster at a time when they needed it most

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Destin Adams | Last updated 10/15/24

The Houston Texans are sitting pretty right now at 5-1 after the first six weeks.

But it is not all smiles in Houston with the news of veteran defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. being suspended for four games due to him violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

While losing Edwards to suspension isn't ideal, the timing of it couldn't have been more perfect for the Texans. While Edwards leaves the lineup, veteran Denico Autry returns from his six-game suspension.

The #Texans get back veteran DE Denico Autry this week… but Edwards is lost for 4 games. https://t.co/U7GyeulLvS
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 14, 2024

The Texans signed Autry this offseason after he spent the previous three seasons with the Tennessee Titans. During his time with the Titans, he recorded 28.5 sacks, setting his career high with 11.5 last season. Before joining the Titans, he played for yet another AFC South team, the Indianapolis Colts, from 2018 to 2020.

Autry has the ability to line up all over the defensive line, which the Texans should be able to take advantage of and get him on the field even with their top two edge rushers, Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, having fantastic starts to the season.

I would expect the Texans to utilize Autry as an interior rusher and give them three players who excel at rushing the passer to form one of, if not the best, pass rushes in the NFL. We will have to wait and see if Autry has any rust after having to watch from afar for the past six weeks. But if he can be the same player who recorded 11.5 sacks with the Titans last season, this is going to be a major boost for an already dominant Houston defense.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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