The Texans’ defense was dealt an injury blow yesterday. Head coach DeMeco Ryans announced Mario Edwards is dealing with a pectoral tear. 
Edwards will miss the remainder of the season as a result. The journeyman defensive tackle’s second straight Texans campaign has come to an abrupt end. Today’s news comes after Tim Settle underwent season-ending foot surgery earlier this month. Depth on the D-line could become an issue for Houston down the stretch.
In 2024, Edwards started 12 of his 13 appearances and logged a defensive snap share of 55%. His workload saw a notable decline this year, with the 31-year-old not making any starts and seeing the field for 33% of Houston’s defensive plays. Nevertheless, losing him will leave Houston thin along the defensive interior the rest of the way.
Edwards enjoyed a productive campaign last year, notching three sacks and 11 quarterback pressures. That earned him a two-year pact in March. Edwards landed $9.5MM in total and $4.5MM guaranteed to remain in Houston through 2027. His recovery over the coming months will be key given the fact he is also under contract for next season.
Recent waiver claim Naquan Jones is a candidate to take on an increased workload in Edwards’ absence. As KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson notes, the Texans’ practice squad also includes the likes of Junior Tafuna, Marlon Davidson and Haggai Ndubuisi. Another addition via waivers or free agency could be in store depending on how the team views that group of potential replacements.
The Texans won their sixth straight game on Sunday, improving them to 9-5. The team’s defense will need to remain one of the best in the NFL if a division title is to be won, but that unit will be shorthanded moving forward.