Sports

Three weeks ago, Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was flagged for unnecessary roughness but wasn’t fined. Last week, Al-Shaair wasn't flagged for a hit on a defenseless player. He was, however, fined for it.

The league announced on Saturday that Al-Shaair will pay $17,389 for a hit on a defenseless player. it happened in the fourth quarter of the Week 9 loss to the Broncos, when Al-Shaair hit running back J.K. Dobbins after he caught a pass for a loss of two yards.

Last December, the league suspended Al-Shaair for three games after he hit Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the head with a forearm while Lawrence was sliding. Al-Shaair had a history of 13 violations and seven fines since 2020.

This is Al-Shaair's third fine since his suspension. He drew a $20,555 fine for illegal use of his helmet during a playoff win over the Chargers. Al-Shaair also was fined $17,39 for a blatant (but unflagged) blow to the head of Titans quarterback Cam Ward in Week 4.

Defensive end Clelin Ferrell had a sack to help the 49ers beat the Giants last Sunday and he'll get another chance to rush the quarterback this Sunday.

Ferrell was elevated from the practice squad on Saturday and he will be available against the Rams. It's the third time that Ferrell has been elevated so the team would have to sign him to the 53-man roster for any future appearances.

That could be in the cards because the 49ers put Mykel Williams on injured reserve Saturday. Williams tore his ACL last Sunday.

The 49ers filled Williams' roster spot by activating offensive lineman Ben Bartch from injured reserve. They also elevated defensive lineman Sebastian Valdez.

The Buccaneers will have right tackle Luke Goedeke back for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Goedeke was activated from injured reserve on Saturday. He's missed the last six games with a foot injury and took part in all three of the team's practices this week.

Safety Sebastian Castro was waived in a corresponding move.

Charlie Heck has been starting in Goedeke's place, but the longtime starter will likely be back in the lineup to face New England.

The Bucs also announced that they have elevated linebackers Nick Jackson and Mohamed Kamara from the practice squad. Haason Reddick and Markees Watts will both miss Sunday's game, so the Bucs now have more depth on the edges of their defense.