Denver Broncos linebacker Joe Mays has been suspended one game and fined $50,000 for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub in last Sunday’s game. Mays led with the crown of his helmet on a play in the third quarter, hitting Schaub under the chin and knocking off the quarterback’s helmet. Schaub even lost a piece of his left earlobe due to the force of the hit. Mays had been fined the week before for an unpenalized late hit on Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan, so the repeat offense drew the increased fine and the suspension. The Broncos could find themselves perilously short on linebackers for this coming Sunday’s game against Oakland. In addition to Mays’ absence, Nate Irving is questionable for the game after suffering a concussion in the Houston game. DJ Williams remains out, serving his six-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.