The Houston Texans are preparing for their final regular-season game of the 2025 season against the Indianapolis Colts. However, two members of the team, Azeez Al-Shaair and defensive end Denico Autry, have faced some challenges with the NFL over incidents that occurred during a previous matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Following the Texans’ victory in Week 17, both Al-Shaair and Autry were fined for actions they took during the game. These fines were part of a broader set of penalties issued by the league, which included another player from the Chargers.

Texans Players Fined for Actions During Chargers Game

According to the NFL’s Gameday Accountability portal on January 3, Denico Autry received a fine of $12,172 for “unnecessary roughness” after striking or kicking Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert during the first quarter. This play resulted in a flag being thrown during the game, giving the Chargers a new set of downs. The drive ultimately ended in a missed field goal attempt.

Autry also lost a sack on that play, but he managed to recover it on the next one. The incident was not flagged during the game, but the NFL later determined that the action warranted a fine.

Azeez Al-Shaair was fined $23,186 for “unnecessary roughness” due to an improper use of the helmet. He tackled Los Angeles fullback Scott Matlock during a run play. Although the play resulted in a 3-yard gain, the NFL ruled that Al-Shaair led with his helmet. Before the play, Al-Shaair and Matlock exchanged words, but they eventually had a friendly helmet pat and moved on.

No flags were called during the game, but Al-Shaair received the largest fine among the three players penalized for similar infractions. The NFL often imposes fines for actions that were not flagged during the game, using its discretion when deciding on additional penalties for plays that were noticed by officials.

Despite the financial setbacks, the Texans managed to win the game, which was crucial for their standings.

Additional Fine for Chargers Player

In addition to the fines given to the Texans, the NFL also penalized Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart for “unsportsmanlike conduct” over “taunting.” Tart ran behind tight end Dalton Schultz, who was on the ground after a pass, and hit him in the helmet while trying to dislodge the ball. Schultz quickly stood up and pushed Tart, causing him to fall down.

During the game, Schultz was flagged for a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty, which stalled the Texans’ drive. However, the NFL did not fine Schultz for the incident. The Texans were forced to punt shortly after, but their defense stopped the Chargers from advancing further.

C.J. Stroud was intercepted on the next drive, and the Chargers scored a touchdown. Despite these challenges, the Texans emerged victorious, which prevented the Chargers from winning the AFC West and instead gave the division to the Denver Broncos.

Looking Ahead to the Final Matchup

With the win, the Texans now need assistance from the Tennessee Titans in their final week of the season. The Titans will face the Jacksonville Jaguars, currently leading the AFC South. If the Titans win and the Texans defeat the Colts, Al-Shaair and the team could secure their third consecutive division title.

This outcome would be significant for the Texans as they prepare for the playoffs. The team’s performance in the final game of the regular season will play a key role in determining their position in the postseason.

As the season comes to a close, the focus remains on the final showdown between the Texans and the Colts, with hopes of securing a strong finish to the 2025 campaign.