Tag: azeez al-shaair

WATCH: Azeez Al-Shaair gets Texans ready to run through a brick wall

The Houston Texans are ready to go to war with linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.

If Azeez Al-Shaair doesn’t wake you up and have you ready to run through a brick wall Saturday afternoon, nothing will.

With roughly 30 minutes before kickoff, the Houston Texans veteran linebacker did all the yelling in the team huddle before heading back into the locker room ahead of the AFC Divisional Round matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Players listened. They were locked in. It was clear they were ready for battle.

Here’s a look at the rousing speech below.

The Texans (11-7), fresh off a 32-12 win over the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild-card round, can clinch a spot in the conference championship with a win.

The Chiefs (15-2), who secured the No. 1 overall seed, would advance to the seventh straight conference championship appearance if Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid can put together a gameplan.

Is Azeez Al-Shaair playing today? Injury update for Texans LB

Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is dealing with a knee injury. Here are the latest updates.

While the Houston Texans are headed to the AFC Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, one of their star players could be limited in Saturday’s showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair dealt with a knee issue throughout the week of practice and could be limited against top-seeded Kansas City. He did practice all three days but was listed as limited.

Al-Shaair, who inked a three-year contract this offseason with Houston, hasn’t missed a beat since returning from his suspension. He remains a focal point of the Texans’ defense and should remain the dominant force up the middle if healthy enough to play against Kansas City to help the AFC South champions clinch a spot in the conference championship.

Here’s the latest on Al-Shaair ahead of Saturday’s showdown in Kansas City.

Azeez Al-Shaair injury update

Al-Shaair is officially listed as questionable with an ankle injury for Saturday’s contest against Kansas City. According to KPRC2 Sports Aaron Wilson, the veteran linebacker is “good to go” after further testing.

NFL Network reported Saturday morning that Al-Shaair would play despite being limited in practice. He should get the starting nod next to Christian Harris as Houston looks to expand on its two-game winning streak.

NFL Playoff picks: Unlock exclusive data-driven predictions

Texans LB depth chart

Here’s a look at the Texans’ running back options should Al-Shaair be limited for Saturday’s showdown:

  • Christian Harris
  • Henry To’oTo’o
  • Neville Hewitt
  • Del’Shawn Phillips

Azeez Al-Shaair stats

Al-Shaair, the defensive captain remains a focal point of the Texans’ front seven. In 11 games, he’s totaled 70 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and four passs deflections.

Is Azeez Al-Shaair playing today? Injury updates for Texans LB

#Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is dealing with a knee injury. Here are the latest updates. 

Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is dealing with a knee injury that saw him listed on the Houston Texans’ injury report this week.

Though Al-Shaair was able to play in the Texans’ wild-card game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the AFC South champions could be without a key member of their defense if he is unable to play against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday.

Will Al-Shaair’s knee injury affect his ability to participate in Houston’s AFC divisional-round playoff matchup against the Chiefs?

Azeez Al-Shaair injury update

Al-Shaair did not practice for Houston on Tuesday and was a limited participant in the Texans’ remaining practices this week. He is officially listed as questionable for Houston’s playoff tilt against Kansas City.

How long will Azeez Al-Shaair be out?

It is unclear whether Al-Shaair will play, though it wouldn’t be a surprise if he fights through pain to take the field, given that the Texans are facing elimination.

Texans LB depth chart

Should the Texans decide to sit Al-Shaair, veteran linebacker Devin White will take his place in Houston’s starting lineup.

Will Azeez Al-Shaair play vs Chiefs? Injury updates for Texans LB

#Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is dealing with a knee injury. Here are the latest updates. 

Veteran linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has been among the Houston Texans’ most productive defenders this season but was listed on the team’s injury report ahead of its divisional-round playoff matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Will Al-Shaair be able to play against the Chiefs on Saturday?

Azeez Al-Shaair injury update

Al-Shaair is dealing with a knee injury. He did not participate in drills with his teammates on Tuesday but returned to the practice field on Wednesday and Thursday in a limited capacity.

How long will Azeez Al-Shaair be out?

Al-Shaair is officially listed as questionable to play in the Texans’ divisional-round showdown against Kansas City. It is unclear how many games he would be expected to miss if he is unable to play against the Chiefs this weekend.

NFL Playoff picks: Unlock exclusive data-driven predictions

Texans LB depth chart

Should Al-Shaair miss the action on Saturday, his backup is veteran linebacker Devin White, who has played a fairly limited role for the Texans this season.

Texans getting healthy at right time before showdown with Chargers

For the first time in the 2024 NFL season, the Houston Texans should have both starting linebackers.

Barring a last-second switch, the Houston Texans should be as healthy as possible for Saturday’s showdown with the Los Angeles Chargers.

No, Jalen Pitre, Jimmie Ward, Tank Dell, and two-time All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs aren’t walking into the building, but the defense should have Christian Harris and Dencio Autry back.

It will have back linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who was suspended for three games after an illegal hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

And Will Anderson Jr. is nearing 100% for the first time since Week 9 after resting in Week 18’s regular-season finale. The same goes for defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi, who’s suffered a roller coaster of injuries this season, costing him time.

NFL Playoff picks: Unlock exclusive data-driven predictions 

Houston’s injury woes won’t decide the outcome of Saturday’s game, but they could factor into the scoring. The Texans have been limited on the defensive end for weeks, especially at linebacker, with Harris and Al-Shaair out for multiple weeks.

For this first time this season, the projected starting duo will be on the field for the first time. When Harris initially returned in Week 15, Al-Shaair was still suspended.

When Al-Shaair returned for a 23-14 win over the Tennessee Titans, Harris was out because of an ankle injury.

Offensively, right guard Shaq Mason will miss his third consecutive game. He’s been out since suffering a knee injury in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and has not participated or been out at drills.

Wide receiver John Metchie III is listed as questionable for Saturday’s showdown with a shoulder injury suffered last week against Tennessee. The No. 3 target did not practice Tuesday but returned in a limited capacity on Wednesday.

He was a full participant on Thursday, which means he’ll likely go even in a limited capacity opposite Nico Collins and Diontae Johnson.

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on CBS and Paramount+.

Texans DeMeco Ryans: ‘We’ve missed Azeez Al-Shaair’s leadership’

Everyone around Houston is excited to see the return of Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair in Week 18.

The Houston Texans might have missed Azeez Al-Shaair for his run-stopping ability.

They might have noticed the missing impact of his presence in man coverage when Christian Harris or Henry To’oTo’o was asked to guard a running back or slot receiver.

But entering Week 18, the Texans are welcoming back Al-Shaair the leader first. The player and role defensive captain comes second.

“It’s really great getting Azeez back,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday. “We’ve missed him over these past three weeks, just missed his presence, his leadership, missed his playmaking ability on the field. So, we’re excited to get him back out there and let him knock some of the rust off.”

Al-Shaair, who inked a three-year deal to reunite with Ryans, was suspended three games without pay after an illegal hit against Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in Week 13. The play led to an on-field brawl and later ejection during the second quarter.

During Al-Shaair’s time away, the Texans struggled. While they might have secured the AFC South division title, they also went 1-2 over 11 days, including suffering double-digit losses to the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens.

The run defense lacked power and an enforcer up the middle. All-Pro running back Derrick Henry got Christmas Day going with a 115-yard first-quarter performance before finishing with 147 yards.

Lamar Jackson, who could shore up the MVP this weekend with a strong outing against the Cleveland Browns, racked up 87 yards on the ground and scored a 48-yard touchdown in the third quarter.

Al-Shaair won’t solve the defensive woes alone, but his return is a start in a run toward the postseason. Everyone in the building can sense it, too.

“We’re all excited,” linebacker Christian Harris said. “It’s great to have our leader back, our captain. He brings crazy energy. He inspires a lot of us in many different ways. We’re excited.”

In 10 games, Al-Shaair has totaled 68 tackles, seven tackles for losses and two forced fumbles.

He’ll make his return to the field for the first time in over a month when the Texans take on the Tennessee Titans this Sunday at Nissan Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair comments on return from suspension

Azeez Al-Shaair has spoken for the first time since returning from suspension for the Houston Texans.

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is back with the team following his three-game suspension.

During his time away from the facility, the defensive captain took time to work on himself. Now, he’s letting the world into his thoughts.

Al-Shaair posted a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing his gratitude to be reinstated by the league after his illegal hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The veteran linebacker also explained how the incident changed him and his play style moving forward.

“I’ve learned so much from this entire experience. Seeing myself on video – letting my emotions get the best of me to the point where I completely lost it – was an embarrassing and eye-opening moment for me,” Al-Shaair posted. “I’ve had to earn everything in my life. I never want to allow anyone to get me to a point where I jeopardize everything that I’ve worked at my life to obtain. That was not the way I wanted to represent myself or my family, and I will continue to learn and grow from that moment.”

Following the hit, Al-Shaair and Jaguars tight end Evan Engram got involved in an altercation, which led to a full-out brawl on the field. He was ejected and needed to be restrained by teammates as he left the field while listening to the boos of fans in Duval County.

After self-reflecting on his actions, Al-Shaair multiple Texans personnel members, including owners Cal and Hannah McNair along with general manager Nick Caserio and coach DeMeco Ryans for standing behind him.
Ryans and Caserio released statements in support of Al-Shaair, calling out the league for its behavior toward Al-Shaair’s character.

During his time away, Al-Shaair said he met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent and Vice President of policy and rules administration Jon Runyan. During the meeting, the 27-year-old linebacker expressed his displeasure with Runyan’s characterization in his suspension notice, in which he said he had a “lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football” and didn’t “reflect the core values of the NFL.”

“Without going into detail, the meeting we had was productive and gave me hope for moving forward and playing the game that I love with continued best intentions, while also not having my character and integrity unjustifiably smeared,” Al-Shaair wrote.

Al-Shaair, who was called out for his stance during the “My Cause My Cleats” movement, shared a message surrounding the negativity directed his way because of the suspension.

“I’ll say that this world is full of negative people who can’t wait to tear you down, but if you move with love and compassion, the seeds of good you planted in other’s lives can grow into the very tree that shades you with comfort and compassion when you need it most,” Al-Shaair said.

The Texans will need Al-Shaair to bolster the defense entering the regular-season finale against the Tennesseee Titans on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans bolster defense for season finale with return of LB Azeez Al-Shaair

The Texans are bolstering up their defense at the right time with the return of linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.

Agent Zero is back for the Houston Texans.

As the reigning AFC South champions prepare for their regular-season finale bout with the Tennessee Titans, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair prepares to take the field for the first time since Week 13’s showdown in Jacksonville.

Al-Shaair, who was suspended for three games after an illegal hit on Trevor Lawrence, was reinstated on Monday for Week 18’s battle.

“It’s really great getting Azeez back,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday. “We’ve missed him over these past three weeks, just missed his presence, his leadership, missed his playmaking ability on the field. So, we’re excited to get him back out there and let him knock some of the rust off.”

The Texans haven’t announced if they plan on playing him against his former team, but signs point to him taking the field one final time in the regular season.

Houston’s defensive struggles are well past Al-Shaair’s absence, but the linebacker spot was sporadic during his time away from the facility. The Texans clinched the AFC South division title, but struggled to contain Patrick Mahomes or Lamar Jackson in losses to the Kansas City Chiefs or Baltimore Ravens.

Al-Shaair’s return won’t solve all the defensive woes, but it should stabilize Houston’s run game entering the playoffs. The Texans allowed a season-high 251 rushing yards during a 31-2 loss to the Ravens on Christmas, including a 48-yard touchdown run to MVP candidate Lamar Jackson.

“We’re all excited,” Texans linebacker Christian Harris said of Al-Shaair’s return. “It’s great to have our leader back, our captain. He brings crazy energy. He inspires a lot of us in many different ways. We’re excited.”

Sunday will also mark the first time Al-Shaair’s played since he tweeted out his frustrations after NFLPA representative Ramon Foster upheld his suspension.

“If you want me to be your villain, I’ll be your villain,” he wrote in a post that included a photo of the Batman villain Joker.

In 10 games, Al-Shaair has totaled 68 tackles, seven for losses and two forced fumbles.

Kickoff from Nissan Stadium is set for noon CT. The game will be televised on CBS.

CBS Sports reveals more insight to Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair’s suspension

There’s more than meets the eye with Azeez Al-Shaair’s suspension coming forward as the 2024 season concludes.

Azeez Al-Shaair won’t be back for the Houston Texans until the Week 18 finale against the Tennessee Titans.

He’s also dealing with more issues surrounding his contract as Houston prepares for its Week 15 battle against the Miami Dolphins.

Al-Shaair, who was suspended for three games because of an illegal hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, will forfeit his next three game checks, but that’s not all he’s losing toward his salary.

According to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, Al-Shaair’s $9 million guaranteed salary for the 2025 season will now automatically void due to the suspension. In total, Al-Shaair will lose $9.34 million because of the over $300,000 he’ll forfeit over the next three games.

The Texans inked the sixth-year linebacker to a three-year deal last offseason for $34 million, $21.5 million of which was guaranteed. Because the $9 million in base salary for 2025 automatically voids, Houston now has the option to release Al-Shaair after this season at no cost to the team.

But will they? According to Jones, no. Houston believes Al-Shaair is an anchor to DeMeco Ryans’ defense and will remain a part of the organization as the defensive captain for the foreseeable future.

“He’s part of our plans moving forward,” a Texans source told Jones. 

That money could be earned back if and when he makes the final 53-man roster next season, but the difference is that it won’t be guaranteed. Per the contract, the $9 million “shall immediately be deemed NULL AND VOID from the beginning and in its entirety regardless of whether or not the 2025 Guarantee had otherwise been earned according to its terms at the time of Player’s Default.”

Jones mentioned that Houston couldn’t use its own discretion and reverse the void. Overall, this is a moot point since Houston knows that Al-Shaair is a part of its foundation.

If he wasn’t, general manager Nick Caserio and Ryans wouldn’t have been so vocal when it was announced his suspension would be upheld by the league office following a hearing with NFLPA rep Ramon Foster. 

“We’re talking about some of the commentary that has been made about his character, about the person that he is, about what his intentions are from people that quite frankly don’t know anything about Azeez Al-Shaair,” Caserio said. “And for the league to make some of the commentary that they made about lack of sportsmanship, lack of coachability, lack of paying attention to the rules – quite frankly, it’s embarrassing.”

Deebo Samuel weighs in on Azeez Al-Shaair being suspended for hit on Trevor Lawrence

Deebo Samuel, a former teammate of Azeez Al-Shaair, weighs in on the Houston Texans linebacker’s suspension for three games.

Several former NFL players have criticized Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair’s hit against Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel is more on the side of his former teammate.

Samuel recently on his podcast, said that Al-Shaair isn’t the type of player to act with malice while on the field. The hit seemed to be a bang-bang play and far from the perceived character that’s currently being painted about his on-field demeanor.

The two were rookies entering San Francisco in 2019 and shared a locker room for four seasons before Al-Shaair left in free agency following the 2022 campaign.

“I know Azeez very well. He’s one of my brothers, for sure. I talked to him afterward and it wasn’t intentional,” Samuel said.

“That clip doesn’t show who he is as a person. If I’m him, and as you’ve seen, he put out an apology to Trevor Lawrence. He apologized to everybody. That kind of shows the person he really is. At the end of the day, he’s not trying to take anybody out. He’s trying to play the way that he was always been taught to play it. 

“If I’m him in that situation as I’m getting up and somebody is beating on the back of my head, it’s like, ‘I got to get in defense mode.’ With his apology and me knowing him personally and knowing it wasn’t intentional, I just think 3-games is a little much.”

Samuel did defend Lawrence, who left the game with a concussion, and the actions of his teammates came to his defense. Even if Al-Shaair was genuinely trying to make a clean hit, anyone who hit his quarterback would be put in line.

“If you hit my quarterback like that, it’s up. I’m crashing, 100%, no question,” Samuel said. “I get that part.”

Samuel also mentioned that defensive players often receive stricter suspension ramifications compared to offensive players who deliver similar hits against opposing players.

“If it was me, would you suspend me for three games?” Samuel asked. “If that was [Baltimore Ravens running back] Derrick Henry, would he be suspended for three games? I think it’s more so about protecting the quarterbacks.”

Al-Shaair, who signed a three-year deal this offseason with the Texans, will be eligible to return in Week 18’s season finale against the Tennessee Titans.

The Texans return to NRG Stadium to take on the Miami Dolphins this Sunday at noon CT.