JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Texans veteran linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was ejected from Sunday’s game after delivering a controversial tackle on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Lawrence appeared to be briefly unconscious before being ruled out for the remainder of the game with a concussion. Lawrence absorbed an elbow-forearm blow to his facemask. Lawrence was not taken to a hospital.
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A sliding Lawrence, normally afforded protection from a huge hit like this one as a quarterback who was down on the field skidding across the turf, was absolutely nailed in the chin by Al-Shaair as he launched himself into the former top overall pick. It was an explosive hit and will undoubtedly draw a heavy fine from the NFL league office, whose disciplinary officers will likely consider a potential suspension of Al-Shaair. The Texans have a bye next week followed by a home game against the Miami Dolphins the following week.
At halftime, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans told FOX Sports it was a hit “not representative of us” as Jaguars coach Doug Pederson characterized the play as a “blatant hit.”
Here's the hit from #Texans Azeez Al-Shaair that earned the ejection for his shot on Trevor Lawrence who's in locker room being examined under #NFL concussion protocol @KPRC2https://t.co/kT7xzhc4IP
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 1, 2024
Lawrence was down on the ground and groggy for several minutes and appeared to use the fencing involuntary hand movement that is indicative of a serious concussion. He was carted off the field. Lawrence’s reaction to the hit was reminiscent of how Miami Dolphins oft-concussed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa moved his hands involuntarily after a concussion earlier this season.
Al-Shaair was immediately thrown out of the game after a huge altercation ensued. Al-Shaair was struck from behind after the tackle by tight end Evan Engram with several players attacking the Texans’ team captain.
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Fox broadcaster Daryl Johnston, a retired former Dallas Cowboys fullback, was highly critical of Al-Shaair on the broadcast.
“It’s everything you’re not supposed to do,” Johnston said. “Everything. You’ll see this in slow motion and Azeez Al-Shaair does everything you’re trying to prevent in this situation. It’s reckless. It’s disrespectful.
“There’s an honor that you give to your opponent on the football field and you respect him. And there’s opportunities to be physical and give big hits and play this game in that manner. And there’s other times when there’s a respect that you grant to your opponent.”
Tempers flare between #Texans #Jaguars after big hit by Azeez Al-Shaair on Trevor Lawrence who appears to be knocked out @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/AfPS6rdhHR
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 1, 2024
Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones was ejected for his role in the confrontation that unfolded that was difficult for officials to quell.
As Al-Shaair headed toward the tunnel with Texans officials to go to the locker room after his ejection was announced, several Jaguars players went after him again and the fighting started up again.
Al-Shaair argued with Jaguars guard Brandon Scherrf, taking off his helmet before, being held back by teammates Joe Mixon and Henry To’oTo’o.
Altercation between #Texans #Jaguars continues after Azeez Al-Shaair ejected for hit on Trevor Lawrence who was carted to locker room to be examined for concussion protocol @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/4pg5KbmpCX
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 1, 2024
During the second game of the season, Al-Shaair was fined $11,817 by the NFL for punching Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson.
Al-Shaair was attacked on the Bears sideline and emphasized he was defending himself after being surrounded. Al-Shaair drew criticism for his hit on Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com
