(This story was updated to add new information.)
It’s a war zone in Duval County entering halftime between the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair delivered a late hit on a sliding Trevor Lawrence during the closing minutes of the second quarter. Lawrence lay sprawled out and needed immediate medical assistance.
That was only the start of the events. Jaguars tight end Evan Engram attacked Al-Shaair after the play, and the fight broke out near the Jaguars’ sidelines between both sides.
Several minutes after the brawl was eased, Lawrence was carted off and immediately ruled out with a head injury. After further review, Al-Shaair and Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones were ejected for starting the fight.
Here’s a look at the hit below.
Trevor Lawrence was hit late while trying to slide, which led to exchanges between Jags and Texans players. pic.twitter.com/34jwjiDLcN
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 1, 2024
After the disqualifications were announced, Al-Shaair, who has been the Texans’ top defensive leader, continued jawing with Jaguars players, including offensive lineman Brandon Scherff.
Texans linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, defensive end Will Anderson Jr.,and running back Joe Mixon held their teammate back. Jacksonville fans hurled debris and jeers at Al-Shaair as he finally headed up the tunnel.
Al-Shaair knows better. It was an avoidable hit that should have never been in jeopardy once Lawrence began to slide. Even the most loyal of Texans’ fans can admit the hit deserved an ejection.
Azeez Al-Shaair’s teammates had to hold him back from escalating things further after his hit on Trevor Lawrence
🎥: @NFLonFOX https://t.co/wDZeKEA0aH pic.twitter.com/ezOHLBbHQ1
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) December 1, 2024
Al-Shaair can expect a fine from the league office and perhaps a suspension once Houston returns from its bye week to take on the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 15.
