Looking to remain undefeated in divisional play, the Houston Texans return to NRG Stadium for a Week 8 showdown against the Indianapolis Colts.
The winner of Sunday’s game will have not just bragging rights, but also a slight lead in the race for the AFC South division title at 2-1. The Texans enter Sunday’s matchup as a 6.5-point favorite and should be healthier than they were last week at Lambeau Field.
But will star linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair be among those suiting up for Week 8’s showdown? Here’s what fans need to know heading into Sunday’s matchup.
Azeez Al-Shaair injury update
Al-Shaair suffered a knee injury in the third quarter of the team’s Week 6 win over the New England Patriots. While he returned for several drives, the veteran did not play in the fourth quarter.
Houston elected to let Al-Shaair rest up in Week 7, but he hasn’t participated in practice over the past two weeks. Houston officially ruled out the linebacker and will turn to newcomer Devin White, who recently signed a one-year deal earlier this week.
LB Azeez Al-Shaair is set to miss the Colts game this weekend, while CB Kamari Lassiter is expected to return.
LB Henry To’oTo’o is practicing today after missing yesterday’s practice.
(Via @AaronWilson_NFL) pic.twitter.com/Y3MYRWes0I
— Nick Schwager (@NickSchwagerNFL) October 25, 2024
Al-Shaair has been an essential member of Houston’s front seven and remains the captain on the field. He’s second in total tackles (40), third in tackles for loss (4.5), fourth in pass breakups (4) and has a sack in six games.
How long will Azeez Al-Shaair be out?
There’s no timetable for Al-Shaair’s injury, but he could be out at least two more games should he not practice on Tuesday. The Texans have a quick turnaround following Sunday’s game as they’ll travel to MetLife Stadium to face off against the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football.
If Al-Shaair is out because of the short week, he’ll more than likely be cleared to return for Week 10’s matchup against the Detriot Lions on Sunday Night Football.
Texans linebacker depth chart
Linebacker remains a question mark entering Sunday’s contest among starters. While Al-Shaair was ruled out, second-year starter and leading tackler Henry To’oTo’o was listed as questionable with a concussion. He missed Week 7 after leaving with a concussion during the fourth quarter against New England.
Neville Hewitt and Jake Hansen started last week and flashed. Hewitt led the team with eight tackles and recorded an interception. Hansen recorded seven stops.
Did we forget how much of a problem Devin White was when we played Tampa Bay last year? The remarks that he is washed are overblown #Texans
He’s not being added as a starter. He’s a depth piece and one that is needed with 3 of our LBs still out. https://t.co/2KcslN3BxP pic.twitter.com/DJhDvvwkqA
— VT (@brownchubbybear) October 23, 2024
White, a former All-Pro for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, isn’t expected to start but could see prominent reps as the No. 3 option. If Al-Shaair misses next week’s game, it wouldn’t be shocking to see an expanded role for the former first-round defender.
Last season with the Buccaneers, White had 83 tackles, six pass deflections and two interceptions.
