The Houston Texans will be without starting linebacker and defensive team captain Azeez Al-Shaair for three games, including their Week 15 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Al-Shaair, 27, was handed a three-game ban by the NFL on Tuesday, two days after he delivered a brutal hit that concussed Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who was sliding to avoid contact.
With Al-Shaair out of action, the Texans will likely turn to Neville Hewitt to take over starting duties when they return from a Week 14 bye. The 31-year-old linebacker has only started three games in the last three seasons, but has been a stalwart on special teams and has recorded 46 tackles this season.
Pro Football Focus has given Al-Shaair a 73.9 grade this season with an 87.0 grade against the run. Hewitt has a 67.6 grade. Also on the roster are former Tampa Bay Buccaneers top 10 draft pick Devin White. The Texans recently designated 2022 third-round pick Christian Harris to return from injured reserve, where he’s spent the first three months of the season.
Al-Shaair, who signed with the Texans earlier this year, has two sacks, two forced fumbles, four pass defenses, seven tackles for loss, and 68 tackles.
