The Kansas City Chiefs are scheduled to play the Houston Texans in two weeks. This will be a huge matchup for both teams as it could be a potential playoff preview in January.
However, the Texans will likely be without one of their key defenders for that matchup after his actions in Houston’s win last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the NFL suspended Houston linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for three games for his violent hit on Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence.
NFL is suspending Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair three games for the hit he delivered Sunday to Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence. pic.twitter.com/knMej2dwzW
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 3, 2024
The veteran linebacker was ejected in the second quarter against the Jags after he delivered a blow to the head/neck of Lawrence, who was sliding after escaping from the pocket. After the hit, an immediate fight broke out on the field as the Jaguars didn’t appreciate what Al-Shaair did to their teammate.
Not having Al-Shaair will be a huge loss for the Texans, especially in their game against the Chiefs. Kansas City just got Isaiah Pacheco back from injury and is creating explosive plays in the passing game with their tight ends (Travis Kelce and Noah Gray) over the last few weeks.
Without Al-Shaair on the field for the Texans, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Chiefs try to attack the middle of the field with Kelce and Gray. Al-Shaair is ranked second on the Texans’ defense with 68 combined tackles this season.
With all that being said, the Chiefs cannot turn their attention to the Texans yet, as they have to play the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football this weekend, and the Cleveland Browns in Week 15.
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