Jaguars’ Pederson: Azeez Al-Shaair’s Hit on Trevor Lawrence ‘Has No Business’ in NFL

Doric SamDecember 1, 2024

Mike Carlson/Getty Images

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence suffered a concussion after a scary hit by Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair in the first half of Sunday’s game.

After the Jaguars went on to suffer a 23-20 loss without their starting signal-caller, head coach Doug Pederson sounded off on the hit, telling reporters, “It’s a play that has no business in our league.”

Al-Shaair hit Lawrence in the head as he slid to the ground after a six-yard scramble. Multiple Jaguars players came to their quarterback’s defense, and a brief skirmish ensued before Al-Shaair was ejected from the game.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReportAziz Al-Shahir was ejected for this late hit on Trevor Lawrence

Hope Lawrence is ok 🙏

(via @NFLonFOX)
pic.twitter.com/M1McHbB6ce

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans also admonished Al-Shaair for the play, saying it’s “not what we coach.”

“It’s not representative of who Azeez is,” Ryans added. “He’s a smart player. A really great leader for us. We felt his presence not being there.”

Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones was also ejected from the game for his role in the skirmish. Jacksonville tight end Evan Engram was flagged for an unnecessary roughness penalty.

Lawrence was taken back to the locker room in a golf cart before being ruled out for the rest of the game. He threw for 41 yards and an interception on 4-of-10 passing prior to his exit. Sunday’s game marked his return to the lineup after a shoulder injury forced him to miss the previous two games.

Backup quarterback Mac Jones replaced Lawrence and completed 20 of his 32 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns.

The loss dropped Jacksonville to 2-10 and extended its losing streak to five straight games. The Jaguars will try to end their skid when they return to action in another AFC South matchup against the Tennessee Titans (3-9) next Sunday.