Trevor Lawrence, the quarterback of the Jacksonville Jaguars, was transported off the field on Sunday after a crude hit from Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair left him strewn across the EverBank Stadium field.
The strike caused a brawl between the teams, resulting in the ejection of Al-Shaair and Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones from the Texans’ 23-20 victory. Evan Engram, the tight end for the Jaguars, was also penalized for unnecessary conduct in connection with the subsequent altercation.
Lawrence eventually exited the field while seated erect on a cart. Shortly thereafter, he sustained a cranium injury that necessitated his withdrawal from the game. Mac Jones, the backup quarterback, assumed responsibility.
Houston was in possession of a 6-0 advantage when the collision occurred in the second quarter. Lawrence scrambled on second-and-7 near midfield and slid near the line of gain. Al-Shaair plunged headfirst into Lawrence’s upper torso as he slid.
Immediately, a flag was raised. Al-Shaair’s initial reaction was to object to the penalty, but he was promptly struck by Engram. A physical altercation ensued, which extended to the Jaguars’ sideline.
Jaguars surrounded Al-Shaair and two of his teammates before officials ultimately resolved the altercation. Lawrence continued to lie face-up on the field until the conflict was resolved. Before departing the field on a trolley, he was eventually able to stand.
Brandon Scherff, a guard for the Jaguars, approached Al-Shaair after the initial altercation had concluded, and a subsequent altercation ensued. Al-Shaair was escorted off the field by a police officer, multiple Texans staffers, and his colleague Will Anderson Jr. following the ejections on the field. As he approached the tunnel, Al-Shaair exchanged glances with his supporters.
