Convenience Big Store: Texans' defensive line hit by another suspension just as one ends

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Today's starting lineup

Mondays are usually uneventful news days at Texans headquarters, but that wasn't the case this week. Just as Houston get Denico Autry back from a six-game suspension, the Texans are now losing fellow defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. to a four-game ban right as the schedule becomes more difficult.

Please scroll down for the rest of this morning's headlines.

Greg Rajan, Senior Editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (97) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Houston.

Photo by: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer

One suspension ends, another begins

The NFL suspended defensive tackle Mario Edwards for violating its policy against substance abuse. That comes on the heels of fellow defensive lineman Denico Autry's six-game suspension ending.

Week 6 lessons: Jonathan M. Alexander shares his takeaways from the Texans' victory over the Patriots to push them to 5-1. Read More
Bar gets raised: DeMeco Ryans and Texans players reflect on the win over the Patriots and look ahead to Sunday's game at Green Bay and the increased challenge Jordan Love brings. Read More

Rockets / NBA

Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun collides on a drive to the basket with San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Photo by: Michael Wyke/Associated Press

Carrying big ambitions

Rockets center Alperen Şengün sees this week's preseason tune-ups versus the Pelicans and Spurs as a possible gauge of where he stands against Zion Williamson and Victor Wembanyama.

Houston Astros third base coach Gary Pettis (8) is seen before an MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park, Friday, June 21, 2024, in Houston. (Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle)

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

Parting ways with Pettis

A fixture of the Astros' golden era, Gary Pettis spent 10 seasons as Houston's third-base coach but his contract was not renewed for 2025.

Offseason outfield analysis: Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez offer plenty of star power at the corners, but whoever patrols center field in 2025 needs to hit. Read More
Message from Bregman: After having some time away from the Astros' postseason defeat, Alex Bregman, who is set to become a free agent, thanked Houston fans for their support. Read More
Mets even NLCS: Francisco Lindor and Mark Vientos homered as the Mets stopped the Dodgers' record-tying postseason scoreless streak to tie the NLCS at a game apiece. Read More
Yankees take opener: Juan Soto homered and Carlos Rodón got his first postseason win as New York took advantage of Cleveland's wildness to win Game 1 of the ALCS. Read More

UH Football

Houston quarterback Zeon Chriss, right, carries the ball for a long gain on a running play against TCU in the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Photo by: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

Always 'ready to roll'

Zeon Chriss, who earned UH's starting quarterback job with a dominant game against TCU, has been making big plays since high school.

Texas Football

ATHENS, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 12: Carson Beck #15 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on October 12, 2024 in Athens, Georgia.

Photo by: Todd Kirkland, Getty Images

In for a test

Georgia senior Carson Beck, who is among the nation's premier quarterbacks, is definitely a step up in class from what the Longhorns have faced so far this year.

Mascots have history: The 2019 Sugar Bowl had quite the undercard when UT's Bevo XV charged toward Uga X. But Georgia has a new dawg for a new day this weekend. Read More
When the SEC and F1 collide: An SEC showdown between top-five teams and a marquee auto race will attract thousands to Austin. Here's a primer on each. Read More
ESPN's 'Texas Takeover': The Texas/Georgia football game and Formula One race in Austin have prompted ESPN to hold a "Texas Takeover" in the capital city this week. Read More

Texas A&M Football

Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Conner Weigman (15) reacts after a 1-yard touchdown by running back Amari Daniels during the first quarter of a SEC conference college football game at Kyle Field, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in College Station.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

Keeping the faith

Conner Weigman had to convince Texas A&M coach Mike Elko that he was ready to start again. The QB did it both with his words and play on the field for the surging Aggies.

Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson, right, talks with guard L.J. Cryer during the first half of a Sweet 16 men's college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 29, 2024, in Dallas.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

Starting poll position

UH, coming off a regular-season title in its first Big 12 campaign, will begin the 2024-25 campaign ranked fourth in the nation in the Associated Press poll.