The National Football League announced the punishment for Houston Texans Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for his hit on Sunday afternoon to Jacksonville Jaguars Quarterback Trevor Lawrence. He was handed down a three-game suspension by the league. Lawrence was sliding late in the first half of Sunday’s contest and was hit in the head as a defenseless player. Lawrence was diagnosed with a concussion and exhibited the “Fencing Posture” on the ground which indicates a traumatic brain injury. Al-Shaair was ejected from the game in addition to one Jaguars player as a melee ensued following the hit.
Al-Shaair is no stranger to discipline from the league as he was fined twice this season for a late hit and the punching of an opponent. NFL VP of Football Operations Jon Runyan took Al-Shaair’s history into account when making his disciplinary decision. “Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all those who play, coach, and enjoy watching it, is troubling and does not reflect the core values of the NFL,” Runyan said.
Al-Shaair posted a statement on social media apologizing following the victory and Lawrence posted that he was home and feeling better Sunday evening. Al-Shaair is set to appeal his three-game suspension to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Will Al-Shaair’s suspension be reduced and how will the Houston Texans fare in his absence?
Houston Texans Season Summary
As a factor in his three-game suspension, the NFL noted that Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair has had multiple offenses for personal fouls and sportsmanship-related rules violations in recent seasons.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 3, 2024
Houston has had an inconsistent 2024 season. They are leading the AFC South at 8-5 and Quarterback C.J. Stroud’s inconsistent play has been problematic at times this year. He has one touchdown or fewer in nine of his 13 games in 2024. Another issue the Houston Texans will have to contend with over the home stretch of the season, and the NFL Playoffs, is a rash of injuries, particularly at the wide receiver position. Wide Receiver Stefon Diggs suffered a Torn ACL and Nico Collins was sidelined for six weeks with a hamstring injury.
Final Thoughts
The Houston Texans defense has been one of the league’s best units in 2024 and will be without a critical member for the next three games. Houston has a bye week before beginning a brutal stretch that begins in Week 15 at home against the Miami Dolphins, it continues with a road game against the Kansas City Chiefs, and a home game against the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day.
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