Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence (concussion) ruled out after late hit from Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Trevor Lawrence walked out of EverBank Stadium along with his spouse by his facet and a smile on his face, a constructive signal for the oft-injured Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback.

Lawrence was carted off the sector after taking a violent blow to the facemask from Houston linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, successful that prompted a sideline-clearing brawl and a secondary scuffle.

“It’s a play that actually has no enterprise being in our league,” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson mentioned following his group’s 23-20 loss Sunday.

Again within the beginning lineup after lacking two video games with a sprained left shoulder, Lawrence scrambled left on a second-and-7 play within the second quarter. He initiated a slide earlier than Al-Shaair raised his forearm and unleashed on the defenseless quarterback.

Lawrence clenched each fists after the hit — actions in line with what’s known as the “fencing response,” which might be widespread after a traumatic mind damage. He was on the bottom for a number of minutes as teammates got here to his protection and mobbed Al-Shaair, whose newest perceived low cost shot might lead to a suspension.

“That was a dumb hit on his half,” Jaguars defensive finish Josh Hines-Allen mentioned. “Hate to see it. The very first thing I considered was to go get him as a result of it’s your brother, and that’s the quarterback.”

Added tight finish Evan Engram: “I noticed him sliding after which I noticed the hit, after which, truthfully, (my feelings) simply took over. I simply knew it was incorrect. It was only a soiled play, and also you stick up on your guys.”

Lawrence finally was helped to his toes and loaded into the entrance seat of a cart to be taken off the sector. He was not transported to a hospital for exams. He was shortly dominated out with a concussion, although.

“Thanks to everybody who has reached out/been praying for me,” Lawrence posted on X hours after the sport. “I am house and feeling significantly better. Means quite a bit. Thanks all.”

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans known as it “unlucky.”

“That’s not what we’re teaching,” Ryans mentioned. “Need to be sensible in every little thing we do and never harm the group, get a penalty there. Simply must be smarter when a quarterback goes down.

“Simply unlucky play, not consultant of who Azeez is. Like, he’s a sensible participant, actually nice chief for us.”

Al-Shaair was ejected for “an unlawful hit on the quarterback, pointless, to the neck and head space,” referee Land Clark mentioned in a pool report. Jaguars rookie cornerback Jarrian Jones additionally was ejected for throwing a punch throughout the melee.

As Al-Shaair was leaving the sector, followers began screaming at him. Jaguars veteran guard Brandon Scherff joined in, prompting one other altercation with Al-Shaair. Texans teammate Will Anderson grabbed Al-Shaair and was escorting him off the sector when a fan threw a water bottle and hit Anderson within the helmet. The fan was later ejected.

Officers and coaches obtained the groups underneath management earlier than play resumed. Al-Shaair was not within the locker room when it opened to reporters after the sport.

“I simply need to say prayers to Trevor,” Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud mentioned. “I actually hope and pray he’s OK. Prayers to his household as nicely. However, yeah, nonetheless rocking with Azeez. I don’t assume that was his intent, and I pray that Trevor is OK and his household is correct there with him.”

Mac Jones changed Lawrence and rallied the Jaguars within the fourth quarter. Jones accomplished 20 of 32 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns. Pederson declined to invest on Lawrence’s standing transferring ahead, particularly with the Jags now eradicated within the AFC South.

Lawrence, the highest decide within the 2021 draft, missed a recreation for the primary time in his skilled profession in 2023 due to a sprained proper shoulder sustained in Week 16. He additionally missed vital apply time due to different accidents: a sprained left knee in Week 6, a sprained proper ankle in Week 13 and a concussion in Week 15.

“Trevor is a warrior,” Jones mentioned. “We’re all praying for him. We positively have his again. For him to play right this moment was unimaginable. He’s a troublesome dude. Actually wished to get the win for him. Clearly fell quick. However positively praying for him. I do know all of us have his again for positive.”

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl