Mario Edwards

Edwards went down with a non-contact knee injury in Week 3 against the Colts and did not return to the game. He could miss the rest of the season if his knee issue requires surgery. This would be a less-than-welcome development for a Houston defense that has struggled through three games.

He didn’t actually return, since the game is over. He went down with a non-contact injury at the end of a play and could not put any weight on his leg as he walked off with the help of a trainer.

The Texans released Edwards, 32, back in March. If he can make the final roster, it will be his third straight season in Houston. He notched two sacks and 14 quarterback pressures last year before suffering a season-ending pectoral injury in December. The Texans correspondingly waived OT Derrick Graham and RB Evan Hull.

It was with a failed physical designation. Edwards tore his pectoral muscle in December and isn’t fully recovered yet. It’s possible he’ll be an option elsewhere in 2026, but considering the Texans knew the medicals better than anyone, it could be a long recovery.

Edwards has appeared in 14 games for the Texans this season, tallying 13 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two TFLs in a supporting role. Naquan Jones, who the Texans recently claimed off waivers, took over in Edwards’ absence on Sunday and will presumably be tasked with filling his role for the remainder of the season. Edwards signed a two-year deal with the Texans this offseason and should be back in time for the 2026 season.

Edwards left late in the fourth quarter. Recent waiver claim Naquan Jones is picking up more snaps on Houston’s early downs.

The ten-year veteran will return to Houston for a second and third season following a 2024 season in which he started 13 games for Houston. Edwards has 52 tackles over the past two seasons and will rejoin a Houston defensive line graded by Pro Football Focus as the league’s 10th-best pass rush.