Al-Shaair (knee) is questionable to return to Saturday's AFC divisional-round matchup against Kansas City. Al-Shaair dealt with a knee issue during the week and logged a DNP/LP/LP practice progression. He twice visited the medical tent during the first quarter of Saturday's matchup against the Chiefs and has been deemed questionable to return to the contest. Neville Hewitt has entered at linebacker in Al-Shaair's stead.
Al-Shaair (knee) is active for Saturday's AFC divisional-round matchup against Kansas City. As expected, Al-Shaair will suit up for the battle against the defending Super Bowl champions despite dealing with a knee injury. The issue caused the veteran linebacker to miss practice Tuesday, but he was able to participate in a limited fashion both Wednesday and Thursday. Al-Shaair played all but one defensive snap last Saturday against the Chargers in the wild-card round and posted six tackles.
Al-Shaair (knee) is expected to play Saturday against the Chiefs, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Al-Shaair is officially listed as questionable, but Wilson's report cites sources that indicate both the linebacker and running back Joe Mixon (ankle) are "good to go" for Saturday's divisional-round playoff game. Al-Shaair played 98 percent of the defensive snaps in last week's win over the Chargers, checking out of the game for one play after sustaining the knee injury. He finished with six tackles and two quarterback hits.
Al-Shaair (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday's AFC divisional-round game against the Chiefs. Al-Shaair had a DNP/LP/LP practice log this week due to a knee injury he picked up during the Texans' wild-card win against the Chargers. Given the stakes of Saturday's game, Al-Shaair likely leans more towards the probable side of playing, though his official status will be known approximately 90 minutes before the 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff when Houston announces its list of inactive players.
Al-Shaair (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. Al-Shaair is managing a knee injury that he picked up during the Texans' AFC wild-card win over the Chargers this past Saturday. He was able to log a limited session Wednesday after being a DNP on Tuesday, but unless he suffers a setback he is expected to play in the Texans' AFC divisional-round clash against the Chiefs on Saturday, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. Al-Shaair would likely avoid an injury designation all altogether if he were to practice in full Thursday.
Al-Shaair didn't practice Tuesday due to a knee injury. Al-Shaair played all but one defensive snap in Houston's wild-card win over the Chargers on Saturday, but he appears to have hurt his knee during the contest The veteran linebacker missed three games with a knee issue earlier in the campaign, which adds an extra element of concern about his current injury. Al-Shaair's practice status Wednesday and Thursday should shed more light on his likelihood of playing Saturday against the Chiefs in the AFC divisional round. Devin White and Neville Hewitt would be the primary candidates for an increased role if Al-Shaair is unable to suit up.
Al-Shaair had his three-game suspension lifted Thursday, per the NFL's transaction log. Al-Shaair was suspended Dec. 3 following an illegal hit on Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) in Week 13. Al-Shaair has now sat out the required three games and is eligible to suit up Sunday, Jan. 5 against Tennessee in Houston's regular-season finale. The veteran linebacker will presumably reprise his starting role as the Texans gear up for the postseason.
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.