The next time Texans defensive end Antonio Smith plays in a game, it will be the second week of the regular season.
John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports that the NFL has denied Smith’s appeal of the suspension he earned for swinging Dolphins guard Richie Incognito’s helmet in Incognito’s direction after ripping it off of Incognito’s head during an altercation in a preseason game between the teams last weekend. PFT has confirmed that the appeal was denied, and PFT has learned that the hearing officer was Ted Cottrell.
Smith was suspended for the two remaining preseason games and Week One of the regular season earlier this week. Smith will be able to attend team meetings for the remainder of the preseason, but he won’t be allowed to practice with the team until the suspension comes to an end. Smith won’t count against the team’s 53-man roster limit when they make their cuts later this month.
Jared Crick and Tim Jamison are the likeliest replacements for Smith on the defensive line until his suspension comes to an end.