The Houston Texans will likely be without Azeez Al-Shaair moving forward following the linebacker's ruthless hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, "it is now anticipated" that Al-Shaair will face a suspension for knocking Lawrence out of their Week 13 clash. The Houston defender made unnecessarily late and nasty helmet-to-helmet contact as the latter was already sliding and now figures to face consequences for his actions.
It is now anticipated that Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair will be suspended for the hit that he delivered Sunday to Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence. The only question is for how long. pic.twitter.com/P8phFecS02
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 2, 2024
"The only question is for how long," Schefter ominously concludes his post with. By the sound of things, the NFL isn't taking downplaying Al-Shaair's illegal tackle (and reasonably so).
Sure sounds like NFL could drop the hammer on Azeez Al-Shaair for Trevor Lawrence hit
Al-Shaair's history of over-aggression is likely factoring into the league's decision-making process. He was fined roughly $11,000 earlier this season for punching Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson, though the refs missed it in real-time. Sadly, these aren't the only instances of his inexcusable behavior, making a multi-game ban not feel too shocking or harsh.
Fortunately, Lawrence avoided any major issues. He was spotted leaving the locker room with his wife, Marissa, after the 23-20 loss to the Texans. Then, the 25-year-old took to social media upon getting home to let everyone know he was in good spirits, physically and mentally. Nonetheless, that doesn't mean Al-Shaair is off the hook, nor should it.
For whatever it's worth, Al-Shaair posted a public apology on X (formerly known as Twitter). However, his choice of words may have been questionable -- at best. He didn't do the best job of expressing sincerity, which arguably makes matters worse.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans addressed the situation during his postgame press conference, digging into Al-Shaair. As an ex-Pro Bowl linebacker, the former understands that plays like this are detrimental to all parties involved. The latter's ejection simultaneously eliminated Lawrence from the contest while costing Houston's defense.
As a sixth-year pro, Al-Shaair should know better. He must do a better job of being assertive but not reckless. Football is a dangerous sport, and brain injuries are not something to scoff at.