Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was knocked out of Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans after being hit around the head and neck by linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. The tackle sparked a brief brawl, resulting in Al-Shaair, Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones, and tight end Evan Engram being ejected from the game. Engram called the hit “dirty” and defended Lawrence, saying it was instinctive to stick up for his teammate.
Fellow Jaguars player Josh Allen-Hines also criticized Al-Shaair’s tackle, saying it was “dumb” and against the new rules of football. The NFL is likely to fine those involved in the incident, according to Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans lamented the hit, saying it was “unfortunate” and not representative of the team’s culture.
The incident occurred as Lawrence was sliding during a scramble, and Al-Shaair came through with a crackling hit that left the quarterback concussed. Lawrence was carted off the field and did not return to the game. Despite the controversy, the Texans won the game 23-20.