Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence out with concussion after hard hit by Texas LB Azeez Al-Shaair
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was ejected from the field after receiving a violent elbow to the face from Houston linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, which sparked two sideline scuffles.
Lawrence looked for a 6-yard gain on a second-and-7 play in the second quarter. He initiated a slide before Al-Shaair raised his forearm and lashed out at the helpless quarterback.
Lawrence clenched both fists after the blow — movements consistent with what’s known as the “fencing response,” which can be common after head trauma. He remained on the ground for several minutes as his teammates came to his defense and mobbed Al-Shaair, whose last perceived low shot could result in a suspension.
Lawrence was eventually helped to his feet and loaded into the front seat of a cart to be removed from the field. He was not taken to hospital for tests. However, he was quickly ruled out due to a concussion.
Fox Sports color analyst Daryl Johnston was outraged by the shot, calling it a “cheap shot” that is “disrespectful” to an opponent and the game.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans told Fox Sports at halftime that the play was “not representative of us.” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson called it a “glaring success.”
Al-Shaair and Jaguars rookie cornerback Jarrian Jones were ejected after the first altercation. Jones appeared to push an official. As Al-Shaair left the field, fans and veteran goalkeeper Brandon Scherff began yelling at him and sparked another melee.
Officials and coaches took control of the teams before play resumed.
Mac Jones replaced Lawrence with the Jaguars trailing 6-0.
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