Texans QB Matt Schaub Loses Chunk Of Ear After Illegal Hit
Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub lost a small chunk of his ear after taking a hit from Denver Broncos linebacker Joe Mays Sunday.
Schaub stayed down for nearly a minute while being looked at by medical personnel. A camera shot showed that a chunk of his earlobe had been bloodied by the hit. He left the game temporarily, and was replaced by backup quarterback T.J. Yates. Schaub returned after just one snap, and threw his fourth touchdown pass of the game with 1:33 remaining in the third quarter.
Mays was flagged for roughing the passer and picked up a 15-yard penalty, but remained in the game. It was the team’s third 15-yard penalty of the game. Prior to Mays’ penalty, Von Miller was flagged for slamming Schaub to the ground after he threw off a pass.
The NFL’s former head of officiating Mike Pereira tweeted that Mays should have been ejected and fined at least $50,000 for the “vicious” play. The NFL, however, doesn’t eject players unless they throw a punch, but Mays’ hit sets a dangerous precedent.
The Texans went on to beat the Broncos 31-25, and are the last undefeated team in the AFC at 3-0 for the first time in franchise history. Matt Schaub finished 17 for 30 for 290 yards and four touchdowns, only throwing one interception. Houston improved to 3-16 against Manning, beating him for the first time in a road game. The Texans will be facing off against the Tennessee Titans next Sunday at Reliant Stadium.
Peyton Manning threw for 316 yards and two touchdowns in the Broncos loss. Denver will play the Oakland Raiders next Sunday.
