NFL Hands Down Discipline for Texans Player Before Cowboys Game

Houston Texans star Azeez Al-Shaair received costly punishment from the NFL ahead of Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys.

By Josh Buckhalter · Heavy

Published: Thursday, 1 October 2026 at 3:53 PM

Key Things to Know

The NFL fined Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair $17,911 for unnecessary roughness against the Indianapolis Colts.
Al-Shaair is appealing the fine for his Week 3 hit on wide receiver Josh Downs.
The personal foul gives Al-Shaair one strike under revised rules, where three strikes trigger a one-game suspension.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The NFL has fined Houston Texans starting linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair $17,911 for unnecessary roughness following a hit on Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs in Week 3. A league source reported that Al-Shaair is appealing the disciplinary fine ahead of Houston's Week 4 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.

Under revised NFL rules, the infraction marks one strike against Al-Shaair, with two additional violations triggering an automatic one-game suspension. In addition to facing discipline, Al-Shaair is dealing with a groin injury and is not expected to play against Dallas.

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NFL Hands Down Discipline for Texans Player Before Cowboys Game

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