The Bears vs. Texans 'Sunday Night Football' matchup in Week 2 showcases the NFL's future between quarterbacks C.J. Stroud and Caleb Williams. 

It had been a slow game, with a few big plays here and there. All of a sudden, tensions started flaring late in the third quarter. Williams was scrambling to the sideline and looked to be giving himself and going out of bounds. Houston defender Azeez Al-Shaair appeared to hit him late, which sparked a response by the Chicago bench. 

The Bears surrounded him, and Al-Shaair must have felt cornered because he was starting to shove his way through the group. The refs missed what happened next, but it will likely incur penalties later this week. 

MORE: Follow live as Bears take on Texans

Bears vs. Texans punch: Azeez Al-Shaair throws punch during sideline fight

While Al-Shaair is in the group, he looks ready to defend himself. Offensive linemen are trying to protect their quarterback and are likely jawing at the Texans defender, letting him know how they felt about the late hit.

They shove Al-Shaair, and he responds by swinging at backup running back Roschon Johnson. This should be an automatic ejection, but the ref didn't see it despite standing right there. Despite the ensuing fallout with more shoving from both teams, no flags were thrown, and play eventually continued. 

Caleb Williams took a hit from Azeez Al-Shaair, and Bears players came to defend him. Al-Shaair then punched Roschon Johnson (0:06 mark), but the refs missed it.pic.twitter.com/5DYv8ZZSQ9

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 16, 2024

The Texans will now have to wait and see if Al-Shaair will be suspended for a key Week 3 matchup vs. Minnesota.

Who is Azeez Al-Shaair?

Al-Shaair went undrafted out of Florida Atlanta in 2019. He caught on as a UDFA with the 49ers, spending four seasons by the Bay. The 6-2, 228-pound linebacker recorded his first INT in 2020 and started every game in 2021. 

He signed a one-year deal in Tennessee in 2023, recording a career-high 163 tackles. That breakout season led to a three-year, $34-million contract with the Texans this offseason. 

Al-Shaair had five tackles and a pass defended in Houston's season opener vs. Indianapolis.