Agent Zero is back for the Houston Texans.
As the reigning AFC South champions prepare for their regular-season finale bout with the Tennessee Titans, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair prepares to take the field for the first time since Week 13’s showdown in Jacksonville.
Al-Shaair, who was suspended for three games after an illegal hit on Trevor Lawrence, was reinstated on Monday for Week 18’s battle.
“It’s really great getting Azeez back,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday. “We’ve missed him over these past three weeks, just missed his presence, his leadership, missed his playmaking ability on the field. So, we’re excited to get him back out there and let him knock some of the rust off.”
The Texans haven’t announced if they plan on playing him against his former team, but signs point to him taking the field one final time in the regular season.
Houston’s defensive struggles are well past Al-Shaair’s absence, but the linebacker spot was sporadic during his time away from the facility. The Texans clinched the AFC South division title, but struggled to contain Patrick Mahomes or Lamar Jackson in losses to the Kansas City Chiefs or Baltimore Ravens.
Al-Shaair’s return won’t solve all the defensive woes, but it should stabilize Houston’s run game entering the playoffs. The Texans allowed a season-high 251 rushing yards during a 31-2 loss to the Ravens on Christmas, including a 48-yard touchdown run to MVP candidate Lamar Jackson.
“We’re all excited,” Texans linebacker Christian Harris said of Al-Shaair’s return. “It’s great to have our leader back, our captain. He brings crazy energy. He inspires a lot of us in many different ways. We’re excited.”
Sunday will also mark the first time Al-Shaair’s played since he tweeted out his frustrations after NFLPA representative Ramon Foster upheld his suspension.
“If you want me to be your villain, I’ll be your villain,” he wrote in a post that included a photo of the Batman villain Joker.
In 10 games, Al-Shaair has totaled 68 tackles, seven for losses and two forced fumbles.
Kickoff from Nissan Stadium is set for noon CT. The game will be televised on CBS.
