Tag: azeez al-shaair

Will Azeez Al-Shaair play today? Latest injury updates for Texans LB

Will Azeez Al-Shaair be back for the Houston Texans in Week 9 against the New York Jets?

With the Houston Texans on a short week, current injured players might be out again if not fully cleared.

That seems to be the case for defensive captain and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who has remained sidelined for the previous two games after suffering a knee injury in Week 6’s road win.

Will Al-Shaair suit up on “Thursday Night Football” when the Texans take on the New York Jets? Here’s what happened and his current status entering Thursday morning.

Azeez Al-Shaair injury update

Al-Shaair suffered a knee injury in the third quarter of the team’s Week 6 win over the New England Patriots. While he returned for several drives, the veteran did not play in the fourth quarter.

Houston elected to let Al-Shaair rest up in Week 7. He wasn’t cleared by the team’s medical staff to return last week against the Indianapolis Colts, leading to Houston signing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Devin White to a one-year deal. 

While Al-Shaair did practice on Tuesday, the Texans ruled him out once more. He will miss his third consecutive game as Houston looks to improve to 7-2 to close out the month of October.

How long will Azeez Al-Shaair be out?

Since Al-Shaair practiced on Tuesday, one could assume he’s close. The Texans will have three days off to recover before beginning Week 10 preparation against the Detroit Lions, which falls on Sunday Night Football and primetime.

It feels likely the window to return is more so in favor of next week rather than Week 11’s showdown on Monday Night Football.

Azeez Al-Shaair stats

Al-Shaair has been an essential member of Houston’s front seven and remains the captain on the field. He’s second in total tackles (40), third in tackles for loss (4.5), fourth in pass breakups (4) and has a sack in six games. 

Texans LB depth chart

With Al-Shaair out, the Texans will be down one starter. Henry To’oTo’o, who missed the last two games with a concussion, is expected to start Thursday night as the team’s MIKE linebacker.

Here’s the rest of the linebackers on the active roster:

  • Neville Hewitt
  • Jake Hansen
  • Devin White
  • Jamal Hill
  • Del’Shawn Phillips

Hewitt led the team in tackles back-to-back weeks in place of Al-Shaair with 15 combined stops. Hansen recorded 10 stops in two games. 

White, a former first-round pick in 2019, isn’t expected to start but could see prominent reps as the No. 3 option. Last week against the Colts, he recorded three tackles.

Last season with the Buccaneers, White had 83 tackles, six pass deflections and two interceptions. 

Jets vs. Texans injury report: Latest updates, news for Wednesday

Here’s the Houston Texans’ injury report for Thursday Night Football’s matchup against the New York Jets.

Four Houston Texans players won’t suiting up on Thursday night at MetLife Stadium.

Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee), defensive back Jimmie Ward (groin), running back Dameon Pierce (groin) and center/guard Jarrett Patterson (concussion) will not play when the Texans take on the New York Jets on “Thursday Night Football.”

Patterson and Pierce didn’t practice on either day and were not expected to play, given the short timetable.

Al-Shaair, who suffered a knee injury in Week 6’s road win over the New England Patriots and Ward, who left during Week 5’s win over the Buffalo Bills, were limited on Tuesday and did not practice Wednesday before the team’s departure.

Rookie safety Calen Bullock (shoulder) was elevated from a limited to a full participant Wednesday and should play against the AFC East franchise. Bullock, who leads the Texans with three interceptions, left during Sunday’s win over the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter.

Cornerback Kamari Lassiter (shoulder) and linebacker Henry To’oTo’o (concussion) have been cleared to play and were full participants in both days of practice. To’oTo’o is expected to play after missing the past two games.

“I’m excited,” To’oTo’o said about returning this week. “That’s my biggest thing. I’m just so excited to be able to play the game. I love it and also to be out with the guys that you work so hard with every single day. I’m excited. I’m juiced up and ready to go.”

In six starts, To’oTo’o leads the Texans with 46 tackles, two for loss, and a sack.

The Texans will be without two-time All-Pro Stefon Diggs after it was announced on Tuesday that he suffered a torn ACL and will be out for the remainder of the season. In his place, Houston signed running back J.J. Taylor to the active roster.

Here is the full injury report for the Texans ahead of their Week 9 matchup at MetLife Stadium. The Jets did not release their injury report as of this time.

Houston Texans (6-2)

Did not practice

RB Dameon Pierce (groin) – OUT

OL Jarrett Patterson (concussion) – OUT

LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) – OUT
DB Jimmie Ward (groin) – OUT

Full practice

CB Kamari Lassiter (shoulder)

LB Henry To’oTo’o (concussion)

DB Calen Bullock (shoulder)

Will Azeez Al-Shaair play this week? Latest injury updates for Texans LB

Will Azeez Al-Shaair be back for the Houston Texans in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts?

Looking to remain undefeated in divisional play, the Houston Texans return to NRG Stadium for a Week 8 showdown against the Indianapolis Colts. 

The winner of Sunday’s game will have not just bragging rights, but also a slight lead in the race for the AFC South division title at 2-1. The Texans enter Sunday’s matchup as a 6.5-point favorite and should be healthier than they were last week at Lambeau Field. 

But will star linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair be among those suiting up for Week 8’s showdown? Here’s what fans need to know heading into Sunday’s matchup. 

Azeez Al-Shaair injury update

Al-Shaair suffered a knee injury in the third quarter of the team’s Week 6 win over the New England Patriots. While he returned for several drives, the veteran did not play in the fourth quarter.

Houston elected to let Al-Shaair rest up in Week 7, but he hasn’t participated in practice over the past two weeks. Houston officially ruled out the linebacker and will turn to newcomer Devin White, who recently signed a one-year deal earlier this week. 

Al-Shaair has been an essential member of Houston’s front seven and remains the captain on the field. He’s second in total tackles (40), third in tackles for loss (4.5), fourth in pass breakups (4) and has a sack in six games. 

How long will Azeez Al-Shaair be out?

There’s no timetable for Al-Shaair’s injury, but he could be out at least two more games should he not practice on Tuesday. The Texans have a quick turnaround following Sunday’s game as they’ll travel to MetLife Stadium to face off against the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football. 

If Al-Shaair is out because of the short week, he’ll more than likely be cleared to return for Week 10’s matchup against the Detriot Lions on Sunday Night Football. 

Texans linebacker depth chart

Linebacker remains a question mark entering Sunday’s contest among starters. While Al-Shaair was ruled out, second-year starter and leading tackler Henry To’oTo’o was listed as questionable with a concussion. He missed Week 7 after leaving with a concussion during the fourth quarter against New England. 

Neville Hewitt and Jake Hansen started last week and flashed. Hewitt led the team with eight tackles and recorded an interception. Hansen recorded seven stops. 

White, a former All-Pro for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, isn’t expected to start but could see prominent reps as the No. 3 option. If Al-Shaair misses next week’s game, it wouldn’t be shocking to see an expanded role for the former first-round defender. 

Last season with the Buccaneers, White had 83 tackles, six pass deflections and two interceptions. 

Who is inactive for Texans in Week 7 matchup vs. Packers?

Six players are out for the Houston Texans on Sunday at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers.

The Houston Texans are down five defensive starters for Sunday’s contest at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers.

Linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o, plus cornerback Kamari Lassiter and safety Jimmie Ward were all officially out for Sunday’s matchup against the Packers, according to the team’s Friday injury report. The four appeared on the inactive list, along with return man Steven Sims and veteran receiver Robert Woods.

Al-Shaair suffered a knee injury in the first half of Week 6’s win over the New England Patriots. Neville Hewitt, best known for his special teams ability, will start as the team’s MIKE backer opposite either Jake Hansen or fifth-round pick Jamal Hill.

To’oTo’o exited the game late in the fourth quarter after making a tackle on a punt return. He entered the league’s concussion protocol and didn’t practice throughout the week. Hansen filled in for the final eight minutes of Sunday’s matchup.

“Neville and Jake have been here with us for a while,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “They have gotten a lot of reps. They know how we play, they know what to expect, they know how to communicate. It is nothing new to them. If they have to go out and give snaps, I feel confident in those guys being able to step up and help us.”

Sims was a late addition to the injury report after suffering a back injury. In his place, Houston elevated Desmond King from the practice squad to likely serve as the punt returner and add depth to Houston’s secondary.

Receivers Tank Dell and Xavier Hutchinson could also be used heavily in special teams as returners.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

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

Here’s the latest news surrounding Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair entering Week 7’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

Azeez Al-Shaair has been the anchor of the Houston Texans’ defense through six games as the new commander and field general. Now, his status for the 2024 season is in jeopardy.

Al-Shaair suffered a knee injury in Week 6’s 41-21 victory over the New England Patriots. He tried to come back in during the fourth quarter, but Texans coach DeMeco Ryans elected to let him rest.

Will Al-Shaair suit up on Sunday at Lambeau Field when Houston takes on the Green Bay Packers at noon? Here’s everything you need to know about Agent Zero.

Azeez Al-Shaair’s injury update

Al-Shaair won’t play after missing practice throughout the week. While the knee injury isn’t supposed to keep the middle linebacker out long, he’ll miss at least one, if not two games until he’s back to full speed.

“We’ll see where our guys are this week with Azeez and Henry [To’oTo’o], see where they are,” Ryans said Monday.

How long will Al-Shaair be out?

There’s no timetable for the starter at the moment. If he practices even a limited capacity next week, he’ll probably take the field against the Indianapolis Colts. The same goes for To’oTo’o, who suffered a concussion late in the fourth quarter against New England and did not practice this week.

Texans depth chart

Houston’s linebacker depth remains a weakness entering Sunday’s matchup, largely due to injury. Starter Christian Harris has been on the injured reserve since the start of training camp and hasn’t been cleared to take reps at practice.

With both Al-Shaair and To’oT’o out for Sunday’s contest, Houston will turn to Neville Hewitt and Jake Hansen. The two are best known for their special teams ability over defensive reps, though Hewitt has been a roleplayer at times for the Texans over the previous two seasons.

In Sunday’s win over the Patriots, he finished with eight tackles and a tackle for loss. Hansen totaled two tackles.

Texans vs. Packers, Week 7 injury report: Thursday

Here’s the injury report from Thursday’s practice in preparation for the Houston Texans’ matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

Here are the full injury reports for the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers from Thursday’s practice ahead of their Week 7 matchup at Lambeau Field:

Houston Texans (4-1)

Did not practice

  • LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee)
  • WR Robert Woods (foot)
  • CB Kamari Lassiter (shoulder)
  • LB Henry To’oTo’o (concussion)
  • DB Jimmie Ward (groin)
  • DL Foley Fatukasi (shoulder)

Limited participation

  • RB Joe Mixon (ankle)
  • LB Del’Shawn Phillips (hip)

Full participation

  • OT Laremy Tunsil (ankle)

Green Bay Packers (4-2)

Did not practice

  • DL Devonte Wyatt (ankle)

Limited participation

  • CB Jaire Alexander (groin)
  • DL Kenny Clark (toe)
  • TE  Tucker Kraft (groin)
  • C Josh Myers (ankle)
  • WR Jayden Reed (ankle)
  • WR Dontayvion Wicks (shoulder)
  • WR Christian Watson (ankle)
  • OL Elton Jenkins (knee)
  • DL Colby Wooden (knee)

Full participant

  • DL Jonathan Ford (calf)

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT. The Packers open as a -2.5-point favorite, according to BetMGM.
With a win, the Texans would be off to their best start since 2012. For Green Bay, a victory would leave it in third place behind both the Detriot Lions and Minnesota Vikings.

Texans vs. Packers: How many starters could be out in Week 7?

Azeez-Al Shaair, Henry To’oTo’o and others could be out this Sunday against the Green Bay Packers for the Houston Texans defense.

The Houston Texans are already down potential All-Pro receiver Nico Collins on offense.

They could be down even more on defense for Sunday’s trip to Lambeau Field.

Cornerback Kamari Lassiter (shoulder), safety Jimmie Ward (groin), defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi (shoulder), linebacker Azeez-Al Shaair (knee) and linebacker Henry To’oTo’o (concussion) were all out with injuries during Thursday’s practice. Lassiter and Ward did not play last week and aren’t expected to play Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.

https://twitter.com/TexansPR/status/1847013501438443534

Barring a last-second change, Fatukasi, Al-Shaair and To’oTo’o likely won’t play, either. While the Texans are expected to have back defensive lineman Denico Autry, he might not start until Week 8 when Houston takes on Indianapolis at home.

Keep in mind that the Texans are also without starting defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr., who was suspended for four games earlier this week after violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

So, what does that mean? At a minimum, five starters will miss Sunday’s contest. At maximum, the total is seven.

That’s not ideal since the Packers remain one of the league’s more explosive offenses entering Week 7 behind MVP-caliber quarterback Jordan Love. The second-year starter has only played in two games, yet ranks second in passing touchdowns with 12.

“Going against Jordan Love this week, it will be the best quarterback we’ve seen this year,” Texans coach DeMeo Ryans said. “So, it’ll be a really, really tough matchup, really good team.”

Love, who inked a four-year mega extension this offseason, is heating up. He threw four touchdown passes in a 34-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals last week, including two to No. 2 target Romeo Doubs.

If the Texans are down all those players, depth becomes a liability. Special teams linebackers Neville Hewitt and Jake Hansen will perform double duty. The same goes for cornerback D’Angelo Ross in place of Lassiter. Rookie Calen Bullock also could see 100% of reps at safety.

The Texans also recently reinstated Kurt Hinish from the injured reserve after trading away running back Cam Akers on Tuesday. He’s been a full participant in practice and could start in place of Fatukasi.

Houston could contract on offense with the return of Dameon Pierce and Pro Bowler Joe Mixon. The two set the tone on the ground in Sunday’s 41-21 win over the New England Patriots after averaging over 7.5 yards per carry.

Mixon, who led the NFL in rushing yards after Week 1, totaled 132 yards and two touchdowns. Pierce rushed for 76 yards, including a 54-yard touchdown.

Kickoff

Injury updates for several Texans players following win over Patriots

The Houston Texans saw three players leave Sunday’s win with injuries.

While the Houston Texans secured a 41-21 victory over the New England Patriots, they could be without several players entering Week 7.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed that both offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (ankle) and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) left Sunday’s game with injuries.

“Yeah, Azeez is getting evaluated with a knee,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He tried to come back, but we’ll see how he progresses throughout the week.”

Signed to a three-year deal this offseason, Al-Shaair serves as the voice of Houston’s defense. He finished with three tackles and forced a fumble before being replaced by special teams star Neville Hewitt.

The Texans love Hewitt for his tackling ability, so he could become the new starter if Al-Shaair remains sidelined for long. Houston could also elevate Christian Harris off the injured reserve should the team feel he’s ready to return.

Tunsil left after reaggravating an ankle injury during the third quarter. Houston held a commanding lead, so the team turned to rookie Blake Fisher rather than push forward with the four-time Pro Bowler.

Tunsil’s injury is not regarded as serious and hasn’t been all season. The Texans will continue to monitor it throughout the week before the team departs for Green Bay.

Linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, who entered Sunday’s game as the team’s leading tackler, suffered a head injury late in the fourth quarter and now enters the NFL concussion protocol.

To’oTo’o is already serving as Harris’ replacement as the full-time starter, meaning Houston might have to turn to another special teams standout in Del’Shawn Phillips or potentially rookie Jamal Hill.

Kickoff next week at Lambeau Field is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair fined for unnecessary roughness hit

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was officially fined after an altercation with Bears running back Roschon Johnson.

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was fined $11,817 by the NFL for punching Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson, according to KPRC2 Sports Aaron Wilson.

The news was later confirmed by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

According to Wilson, Al-Shaair does not plan to appeal the fine.

https://twitter.com/BeerBellySport/status/1835844164413489504

During the third quarter, Al-Shaair delivered what was ruled to be a clean hit on Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. Before he could head back to the huddle, he was surrounded by a bunch of orange jerseys, including the second-year running back from Port-Neches.

While there was no late hit called against Al-Shaair, he did throw a punch toward Johnson. The veteran linebacker wasn’t penalized or ejected in the Texans’ 19-13 victory, but the league planned on fining him after further review.

https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1837583419020079105

Johnson, a former star at Texas, tweeted after the game, “It took every bit of my soul not to thrash that boy.”

Al-Shaair told reporters postgame that he expected to hear from the league office later in the week.

“I understand that’s not acceptable. That’s obviously not who I’m trying to be or anything like that,” Al-Shaair told reporters. “I’m not trying to be some fake tough guy. I’ve played in this league going on six years and I haven’t had anything like that happen. For that to happen on national television, it’s not my proudest moment. I take full accountability in that aspect.”

The Texans take on the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium this Sunday at noon CT.

The Bears showed how much Caleb Williams already means to them after Azeez Al-Shaair’s hard hit

Azeez Al-Shaair didn’t know the Bears already loved Caleb Williams this much.

So far in his young NFL career, there’s been nothing to indicate that the Chicago Bears’ other players actively dislike Caleb Williams. But we haven’t seen a perfect example of how deeply they care about the No. 1 overall pick in a game yet, either.

This is a lesson that Houston Texans’ defender Azeez Al-Shaair quickly learned on Sunday night.

After Al-Shaair leveled Williams with a hard hit in bounds on a long first down next to the Bears’ sideline, it felt like the entire offense (the entire team?) came to Williams’ defense without thinking while ALSO being very smart about it. (Note: Al-Shaair clearly punched Bears running back Roschon Johnson but wasn’t flagged.)

Just remember that Williams hadn’t even played two full games at the time of this play. And the Bears are already doing this kind of thing for him.

That speaks volumes:

https://twitter.com/TrainIsland/status/1835509617662550121

Williams remains a huge work in progress. It will probably take some time before he starts really living up to the hype as a rookie quarterback. The fact that the Bears are willing to fall on a sword for him in this manner says everything. They clearly have full belief he will get there because he’s already Their Guy.