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.
— Azeez Al-shaair (@A_train2_) December 31, 2024
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.