The NFL is sending a message to Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair: enough is enough. His three-game suspension for what the league called "repeated violations" of player safety and sportsmanship rules has been upheld, and honestly, it's not surprising. When you look at Al-Shaair's track record this season, it's clear he's been on thin ice for a while.
Videos by FanBuzz
The latest incident—the hit to Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence — was the final straw. It wasn't just a bad look; it was a dangerous play that got Al-Shaair ejected and, unfortunately, put Lawrence on injured reserve with a concussion. For Jacksonville, that likely means the end of Lawrence's NFL season. For Al-Shaair? A long three weeks on the sidelines while the Texans push for playoff positioning.
Let's not forget, this isn't an isolated incident. Al-Shaair has already been fined twice this season, both for unnecessary aggression. He lost $11,817 in Week 2 for punching Bears running back Roschon Johnson, who was reacting to what he felt was an unnecessary hit on Caleb Williams. Then, in Week 12, Al-Shaair got docked another $11,255 for a late hit out of bounds on Titans running back Tony Pollard. Add those up, and you're looking at a pattern the NFL simply couldn't ignore.
The timing? Brutal for Houston. They're on a bye this week, but missing Al-Shaair against the Dolphins, Chiefs, and Ravens in Weeks 15-17 is a huge blow. Those are games where every defensive play matters. Al-Shaair can return in Week 18 against the Titans, but by then, it might be too late for the Texans if their playoff hopes take a hit.
For now, Al-Shaair has time to reflect. The Texans need him to channel his aggression more wisely—when he's on the field, that is.
