Azeez Al-Shaair

Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair’s three-game suspension was upheld by appeals officer Ramon Foster.

Al-Shaair was suspended for three games after delivering a significant blow to Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence’s head as Lawrence slid. His hit led to a brawl during the Texans and Jaguars’ Week 13 matchup and Al-Shaair was subsequently ejected. Lawrence is expected to miss the season with the concussion he suffered on the hit and due to surgery on a shoulder injury he sustained prior to returning for Week 13. Ramon Foster was appointed to oversee Al-Shaair’s appeal of his suspension; Foster upheld the three-game absence. The Texans defense will suffer from missing Al-Shaair, who has seven tackles for loss and two sacks as a starting linebacker and captain. He is eligible to return Week 17 against the Ravens.