Texans Pro Bowl middle linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was fined $17,911 by the NFL for unnecessary roughness during a loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, per a league source.
Al-Shaair is appealing the fine, per a source.
Al-Shaair wasn't flagged on the play, but the league has imposed punishment for hitting a defenseless player in the head and neck area.
During the game, a 19-17 loss during which Al-Shaair led the Texans with 11 tackles and injured his groin, Al-Shaair dove and made contact with wide receiver Josh Downs that appeared to involve his helmet. No flag was thrown on the play, which isn't pictured below.
During the CBS broadcast, officiating rules analyst Gene Steratore characterized the play as an illegal launch that should have drawn a personal foul.
Under the NFL rulebook, unflagged plays are subject to retroactive review.
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL insider for KPRC 2 and Sports Talk 790. His YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AaronWilsonSport
