The Jacksonville Jaguars lost Trevor Lawrence early in Week 13 because of a dirty hit linebacker Azeez Al-Shair laid on him. Hours after the game concluded, the quarterback let everyone know how he felt.
Lawrence was carted off in the second quarter after taking a shot to the head from the Texans’ Aziz Al-Shaair, causing a massive brawl between both teams.
Aziz Al-Qaeda should be ejected from the NFL after this cheap shot on Trevor Lawrence. Disgusting. pic.twitter.com/GSAsrbSGxd
— MF Free American 🇺🇸 (@mnfrakenstein) December 1, 2024
Al-Shaair was ejected following the play and is likely subject to a lengthy suspension when you take into account that he got a fine early in the season for punching Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson. In the same game, he also punched rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Both incidents will probably be taken into consideration when deciding what punishment the NFL will impose on the linebacker.
The Jaguars' response to Azeez Al-Shaair hit
As one might imagine, the hit on Lawrence was a big topic of conversation after Jacksonville's 23-20 loss over the weekend.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for [Texans] coach Ryans. I know he doesn’t coach his team that way,” said Jaguars coach Doug Pederson afterward.
“It’s really unfortunate, it really is. I’m just glad Trevor’s going to be fine. He’ll obviously be in the protocol, but it just is an unfortunate play.”
Mac Jones was thrust into the spotlight in Lawrence’s place, completing 20 of 32 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns.
Lawrence meanwhile posted on X after the game, saying: “Thank you to everyone who has reached out/been praying for me. I’m home and feeling better. Means a lot, thank you all.”
Thank you to everyone who has reached out / been praying for me. I’m home and feeling better. Means a lot, thank you all🙌🏼
— Trevor Lawrence (@Trevorlawrencee) December 2, 2024
In Week 9, the Knoxville native suffered a shoulder injury, later revealed to be an AC joint sprain. But he played against the Texans even though he was hurt.
Trevor Lawrence’s status in the aftermath of the Azeez Al-Shaair hit
While coach Pederson said that Lawrence will be fine, besides that, little is known about his overall status moving forward.
There is speculation that this may keep Lawrence sidelined for the remainder of the campaign. In fact, he hadn't ruled out getting surgery to repair his shoulder, and his latest injury could prompt him to choose to get the procedure done.
It’s his second diagnosed concussion with the Jaguars and his third known one dating back to his days at Clemson. He was injured last season in a Monday Night Football clash against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Earlier this season, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovialoa suffered a concussion, and he displayed a fencing posture. As a result, he spent five weeks on Injured Reserve. While this kind of injuries are tricky, Lawrence's recovery timeline could be similar.
With the Jags currently at 2-10, leaving Lawrence out for the remainder of the season appears to be a likely path.