Trevor Lawrence has been placed on injured reserve with a concussion, the Jacksonville Jaguars announced Wednesday.
The quarterback’s season is now likely over following the vicious hit he took from Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair during Sunday’s loss in Jacksonville. By ending his season early, Lawrence could also get a head start on rehabbing the injured shoulder he’s been playing with.
Al-Shaair sparked major controversy in the Texans’ 23-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars after flying into Lawrence with his elbow first, despite the quarterback sliding to give himself up on the play.
The brutal hit left Jaguars players and coaches seething, with both teams involved in a mass brawl before the Texans defender was swiftly ejected from the game.
Al-Shaair was handed a three-game ban – without pay – for the hit, which he tried to appeal in a hearing on Wednesday.
While the length of his absence remains unclear, Lawrence will likely miss the rest of the regular season as the Jaguars have five games left on their schedule.
Trevor Lawrence has been placed on injured reserve with a concussion following this hit
Lawrence reassured fans on Sunday night that he is recovering well at home and ‘feeling better’
His placement on the IR will not make the biggest difference as the team has struggled all season, sitting last in the AFC South with a 2-10 record.
Lawrence has completed 172 of 284 attempts for 2,045 yards, 11 touchdowns, and seven interceptions through 10 appearances. He was also sacked 18 times.
After the hit left him on the turf as both squads embarked on a shoving rumble, Lawrence took to X to extend his gratitude toward fans, friends, and family.
‘Thank you to everyone who has reached out / been praying for me. I’m home and feeling better. Means a lot, thank you all,’ the Clemson product wrote.
The following morning, Marissa, his wife of the last three years, released a message thanking fans for their support and stressing that Trevor’s health is her priority right now.
Al-Shaair, who is also under fire over the controversial political message he was wearing on his cleats, also issued a statement on Monday morning after being ejected from the game against Jacksonville.
As well as apologizing to him, the 27-year-old insisted it was never his intention to harm Lawrence and that he only saw him sliding when it was ‘too late’.
‘I’ve always played the game as hard as I could. Never with the intent to harm anyone and anybody that knows me knows that,’ Al-Shaair wrote. ‘My goal is to hit you as hard as I can then I pray you’re still able to get up and play the next play. And when the game is over go home to your family unharmed because it’s not personal it’s just competition! We both are trying to do the same thing which is provide for our families!
Azeez Al-Shaair has apologized over the tackle despite having to be held back by teammates
Players from the Texans and Jaguars brawled after Lawrence was left motionless on the field
‘I genuinely didn’t see him sliding until it was too late. And it all happens in the blink of an eye.
‘To Trevor, I genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening. Before the game we spoke and I told you how it was great to see you back out on the field and wished you well. I would never want to see any player hurt because of a hit I put on them especially one that’s deemed “late” or “unnecessary”.
‘To the rest of his teammates, I can definitely understand you having his back and defending him in a situation like that. To the rest of the people who l’ve been called every single name in the book from reporters with their hands ready for a story to find their villan, to racist and islamophobic fans and people, you don’t know my heart nor my character which I don’t need to prove to any of you.’
Mac Jones will likely take the starting spot in with Lawrence sidelined, CJ Beathard is also available at quarterback.
The rest of Jacksonville’s schedule features games against the Jets, Raiders, and Colts and two meetings with the Titans.
