On Sunday, when the Houston Texans attempt to go 3-0 for the first time in franchise history by defeating their kind-of-rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, they will do so without the services of starting left tackle Duane Brown, who was suspended four games on Tuesday for violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing drugs.
Brown, a first round pick in 2008 (18th overall), said he will not appeal the suspension.
"I take full responsibility for putting myself in this situation," Brown said, per ESPN. "I unknowingly took a supplement tainted with a banned substance and now have to deal with the consequences. After reviewing the appeal process and speaking with legal counsel, I have decided not to appeal my suspension. I understand the rules and accept my punishment."
After the suspension was announced Tuesday, the Texans signed Ephraim Salaam, a 34-year-old veteran who played for Houston from 2006 to 2008. Fifth year tackle Rashad Butler will replace Brown in the starting lineup against the Cowboys Sunday.
"You never want to have to deal with this too much," said right tackle Eric Winston. "But that's the adversity we're dealt right now, and we're just going to have to keep moving forward as a team. Everyone is going to have to play better and just pick up the leftovers."
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