Texans' Azeez Al-Shaair Suspended 3 Games by NFL for Hit That Injured Trevor Lawrence

The NFL has suspended Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for three games following his hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Al-Shaair is appealing the league's ruling.

During the second quarter of Houston's 23-20 lead, Lawrence scrambled out of the pocket and went to slide. As he was going down, Al-Shaair lunged forward and struck the Jaguars star around the head with his left elbow.

Lawrence left the game and was diagnosed with a concussion. He said after the game he was "home and feeling better."

Al-Shaair apologized Monday for the hit.

"I genuinely didn't see him sliding until it was too late," he wrote in a statement he posted to X. "To Trevor i genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening. Before the game we spoke and I told you how it was great to see you back out on the field and wished you well. I would never want to see any player hurt because of a hit I put on them especially one that's deemed 'late' or 'unnecessary.'"

Schefter reported Monday a suspension for Al-Shaair was expected to come down.

In Tuesday's official announcement, NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan said Al-Shaair's was "unacceptable and a serious violation of the playing rules."

"You led with your forearm and helmet and delivered a forceful blow to the head/neck area of your opponent when you had time and space to avoid such contact," Runyan wrote.

The retired offensive lineman also cited Al-Shaair's role in escalating tensions immediately after the hit. Multiple confrontations between Texans and Jaguars players unfolded on the field.

Runyan referenced the veteran defender's track record as well, saying he "has had multiple offenses for personal fouls and sportsmanship-related rules violations in recent seasons."

Al-Shaair was fined $11,817 earlier this year for punching Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson on the sideline in Week 2.

A three-game ban covers nearly all of the Texans' remaining schedule. Houston is off in Week 14 before finishing with four games over the final month.

Al-Shaair will be eligible to suit up for the team's finale against the Tennessee Titans in Week 18. His suspension could be shortened pending the outcome of his appeal.