The Associated Press’s Mark Long
Jacksonville, Florida. Trevor Lawrence, the frequently injured quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, left EverBank Stadium with a smile on his face and his wife by his side.
Azeez Al-Shaair, a linebacker for Houston, struck Lawrence hard in the facemask, causing a melee to break out on the sidelines and a secondary altercation before Lawrence was carried off the field.
After his team’s 23–20 loss on Sunday, Jaguars coach Doug Pederson declared, “It’s a play that really has no business being in our league.”
After missing two games due to an injured left shoulder, Lawrence returned to the starting lineup and scurried on a second-and-seven play in the second quarter. Before Al-Shaair lifted his forearm and slammed into the helpless quarterback, he started a slide.
The hit and the ensuing scrum may be found here.
Following the impact, Lawrence clenched both fists in a manner known as the fencing reaction, which is frequently seen following traumatic brain injury. As teammates rallied around him and surrounded Al-Shaair, whose most recent alleged cheap shot might earn him a punishment, he lay on the ground for a number of minutes.
Josh Hines-Allen, a defensive end for the Jaguars, said that was a stupid hit on his part. I detest seeing it. Since he is your brother and the quarterback, my initial instinct was to go get him.
A tight end was added. Evan Engram: To be honest, my feelings simply took over once I witnessed him tumbling and the hit. I simply knew it was incorrect. Even if it was a nasty move, you defend your men.
In the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida, Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson, second from right, watches as trainers tend to quarterback Trevor Lawrence following a late hit by Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. (Photo courtesy of Phelan M. Ebenhack)AP
After some assistance, Lawrence was lifted off the field and placed in the front seat of a cart. He wasn’t taken to a hospital for examinations. However, he was promptly ruled out due to a concussion.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans stated that the hit with Azeez was regrettable. We are not coaching that. In order to avoid hurting the squad and receiving a penalty there, we want to be astute in all we do. When a quarterback is going down, you just need to be more intelligent.
Unfortunate play that doesn’t reflect Azeez’s character. He’s a tremendously good leader for us and a savvy player.
According to a pool report by referee Land Clark, Al-Shaair was sent off for an unlawful and needless strike on the quarterback’s head and neck. Jarrian Jones, a rookie cornerback for the Jaguars, was also sent off for punching during the altercation.
Fans began yelling at Al-Shaair as he was leaving the field. Brandon Scherff, a senior guard for the Jaguars, jumped in, which led to another incident with Al-Shaair. Al-Shaair was being led off the field by Texans teammate Will Anderson when a spectator hurled a water bottle at Anderson, striking Anderson in the helmet. Later, the fan was expelled.
Before play restarted, coaches and officials brought the teams under control. When the locker room opened to media following the game, Al-Shaair wasn’t there.
C.J. Stroud, the quarterback for the Texans, stated, “I just want to say prayers to Trevor.” I sincerely hope and pray that he’s alright. His family is also in our prayers. However, I’m still having a great time with Azeez. That wasn’t his intention, in my opinion, and I hope Trevor is doing well and that his family is by his side.
In the fourth quarter, Mac Jones, who took Lawrence’s position, revived the Jaguars. Jones gained 235 yards and two scores on 20 of 32 passes. Given that the Jags have been officially eliminated from the AFC South, Pederson declined to comment on Lawrence’s future.
In the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, December 1, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida, players fight after Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) hit Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence with a late hit. (Photo by John Raoux/AP)
The 2021 draft’s top pick, Lawrence, missed his first game as a professional in 2023 due to a damaged right shoulder he suffered in Week 16. In addition, he suffered a concussion in Week 15, an injured left knee in Week 6, and a sprained right ankle in Week 13 that caused him to lose a lot of practice time.
According to Jones, Trevor is a warrior. Everybody is praying for him. There’s no doubt that we have his back. It was amazing that he played today. He’s a rough guy. sincerely hoped to win for him. Clearly failed. However, I will undoubtedly pray for him. I’m positive that we all have his back.
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