Oct 15, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; General view of a Crucial Catch logo on the helmet of Houston Texans wide receiver Robert Woods (2) before the game against the New Orleans Saints at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Texans LB Dodges Worst-Case Scenario From NFL Thanks to Key Rule Change 1
The Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has been fined for his hit on The Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs in Week 3.
The play went unflagged during the game, but the NFL reviewed it afterward. Under the 2026 clean-slate rules, the incident counts as his first strike.
NFL reviews Colts hit as new rules prevent suspension
Azeez Al-Shaair has been fined $17,911 for a hit on Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs last week, according to Tom Pelissero. The incident took place during the Texans’ 19-17 loss to the Colts in Week 3.
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Jun 9, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Azeez al-Shaair arrives for the team’s minicamp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
The play was not flagged during the game, but the NFL reviewed the contact afterward and handed down the fine. Video of the hit was also included with Pelissero’s report.
Broadcast footage showed Downs completing a difficult catch before the collision occurred. “It’s a tough catch. He gets hit in his legs right here and then watch Al-Shaair. Bam! In-cut route there by Josh Downs,” the commentator said while describing the action.
Al-Shaair was previously suspended for three games in 2024 following a hit on Trevor Lawrence.
Under the previous policy, Al-Shaair’s disciplinary history may have resulted in stronger punishment as a repeat offender. The new agreement between the NFL and NFLPA changed that process for the 2026 season.
All players entered the season with a clean slate, so disciplinary violations from previous seasons do not count toward the new strike system.
“The NFL fined Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair $17,911 for this hit on Colts WR Josh Downs last week. Previously, Al-Shaair could’ve been suspended as a repeat offender. But under the new NFL-NFLPA agreement, all players started 2026 with a clean slate, so this is just strike one,” Tom Pelissero wrote.
Under league rules, a suspension can be triggered after multiple qualifying player-safety violations in the same season.
Away from the disciplinary matter, Al-Shaair has been a regular contributor on Houston’s defense. He recorded 31 tackles through the team’s first three games and added 11 tackles against Indianapolis. Despite that effort, the Texans fell to the Colts by two points.
Texans shift focus to Cowboys matchup
The Houston Texans will host Dallas on Sunday, October 4, at 1 p.m. ET. Houston enters the matchup at 0-3 after losses to the Buffalo Bills (36-31), Cincinnati Bengals (20-6) and Indianapolis Colts (19-17).
C.J. Stroud has thrown for 794 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions through three games. The Texans have dealt with injury problems since Week 1, with Nico Collins missing the past two games because of a hamstring injury.
Azeez Al-Shaair will miss the Cowboys game because of a groin injury. M.J. Stewart is also out with a knee injury, while Jadeveon Clowney and Logan Hall are questionable with knee issues. Jake Hansen and Ed Ingram are also questionable, while British Brooks is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.
The Dallas Cowboys enters the game with Dak Prescott throwing for 730 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception. CeeDee Lamb has 20 catches for 309 yards and three touchdowns, while George Pickens has 16 catches for 150 yards.
The Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans also spoke about the significance of the matchup, saying, “It’s a special game for us and it is our 25th anniversary of the Texans and the first game for the Texans versus the Cowboys and the Texans got a big win versus the Cowboys that first game.”
Despite Al-Shaair’s fine, the Texans have turned their attention to the Cowboys and their next game.
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