Al-Shaair's three-game suspension was upheld Wednesday following an appeal. Al-Shaair was given a three-game ban Tuesday after he was ejected from this past Sunday's win over the Jaguars in the second quarter following a hit to the head of quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who sustained a concussion. Prior to Sunday's incident, Al-Shaair had previously been fined twice by the league this season, and history likely played a factor in the decision to uphold the suspension. Al-Shaair will be eligible to return to action in the Texans' regular-season finale Week 18 at Tennessee.
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Status
RESERVE-SUS - Suspension - Not Specified Expected Return: 2025-01-05Latest Azeez Al-Shaair news
Team
Houston Texans
Birthdate
8/4/1997 (27)
Status
Suspended
HT/WT
6'2", 228 lbs
Birthplace
Tampa, FL, USA
Position
LB
College
Florida Atlantic
Experience
6 seasons
Career History
Houston Texans
2024-Present
(1 season)
Tennessee Titans
2023-2024
(1 season)
San Francisco 49ers
2019-2023
(4 seasons)
Al-Shaair's three-game suspension was upheld Wednesday following an appeal. Al-Shaair was given a three-game ban Tuesday after he was ejected from this past Sunday's win over the Jaguars in the second quarter following a hit to the head of quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who sustained a concussion. Prior to Sunday's incident, Al-Shaair had previously been fined twice by the league this season, and history likely played a factor in the decision to uphold the suspension. Al-Shaair will be eligible to return to action in the Texans' regular-season finale Week 18 at Tennessee.
The NFL announced Tuesday that Al-Shaair has received a three-game suspension for his violent hit on quarterback Trevor Lawrence in Sunday's 23-20 win over the Jaguars, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. In its statement, the NFL said that Al-Shaair's suspension was in part imposed due to "repeated violations of rules intended to protect the health and safety of players." The 27-year-old linebacker had previously been fined for punching Bears running back Roschon Johnson in Week 2 and was fined again for a late hit out of bounds on Titans running back Tony Pollard in Week 12. The hit on Lawrence -- which resulted in the quarterback sustaining a concussion after he had given himself up on a six-yard run -- appears to have been the last straw before the NFL elected to suspend Al-Shaair for the first time in his career. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Al-Shaair will appeal the ban, but if the three-game suspension is upheld by the joint officers appointed by the NFL and NFL Players' Association, he'll be eligible to return to action Week 18 in Tennessee. Devin White could be the next man up to pick up more snaps at linebacker alongside Henry To'oTo'o and Neville Hewitt while Al-Shaair is out of the lineup, though Houston could get Christian Harris (calf) back from injured reserve at some point after its Week 14 bye.
Al-Shaair was ejected from Sunday's 23-20 win over the Jaguars with 4:20 remaining in the second quarter for an illegal hit on quarterback Trevor Lawrence. He was credited with five tackles across 19 snaps before his disqualification. The play in question occurred when Lawrence slid at the end of a six-yard scramble, with Al-Shaair arriving late and driving shoulder into Lawrence's head. A fight between the two teams ensued after Al-Shaair's late hit, which resulted in Lawrence sustaining a concussion. Al-Shaair took to social media Monday to apologize to Lawrence while noting there was no ill intent to harm him, but the linebacker could still be subject to discipline from the league in the form of a fine and/or suspension.
Al-Shaair registered eight tackles (five solo), with 1.0 sack, in Houston's loss Sunday versus Tennessee. Al-Shaair was limited in practice throughout the week due to a knee injury but ended up having solid performance nonetheless. Not only did the 27-year-old lead the team in tackles, but Al-Shaair also managed to record his second sack of the season as he was one of five different Texan defenders to bring down Will Levis.
Al-Shaair (knee) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Titans. The first-year Texan practiced in a limited fashion both Wednesday and Thursday, but he upgraded to a full workload Friday, suggesting that he's recovered from his knee injury in time for Sunday's divisional matchup. With Al-Shaair back at full health, he's expected start alongside Henry To'oTo'o as part of Houston's top outside linebacker duo.
Al-Shaair (knee) was a limited participant at the Texans' practice Wednesday. Al-Shaair dealt with a knee injury throughout October, which forced him to miss three games during that month, but he's since played in Houston's last two contests. The linebacker will still have two more chances to increase his workload at practice this week before the team faces the Titans on Sunday.
Al-Shaair (knee) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Lions. Al-Shaair practiced in full Friday after logging back-to-back limited sessions to begin the Texans' week of practice, suggesting he's moved past his knee issue in time for Sunday's contest. Expect the Florida Atlantic product to start alongside Henry To'oTo'o as part of Houston's top outside linebacker duo in Week 10.
Al-Shaair (knee) was limited in Thursday's practice. After missing last Thursday night's game against the Jets, Al-Shaair has logged back-to-back limited sessions to open the practice week. He's missed the Texans' last three contests overall but looks poised for a potential return this Sunday versus Detroit. The veteran linebacker has 40 tackles (28 solo), including 1.0 sacks, six QB hits, four pass breakups and one forced fumble through six games.
Al-Shaair (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday night's matchup against the Jets. Al-Shaair practiced in a limited fashion Tuesday after being estimated as a non-participant Monday; however, he'll now miss his third consecutive game in Week 9 due to a knee injury. Expect Neville Hewitt to continue serving as the Texans' top left outside linebacker until Al-Shaair is able to return to the field.