Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was carted off the field in Sunday’s Week 13 game against the Houston Texans following a helmet-to-helmet hit by linebacker Aziz Al-Shaair.

The play, which occurred midway through the second quarter, led to Lawrence being ruled out with a concussion and sparked a heated scuffle between the two teams.

On a second-and-7 play, Lawrence scrambled up the left side of the field for a 6-yard gain and began sliding to avoid contact.

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Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) slides for a down as Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) makes a late hit during the second quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Despite Lawrence’s early slide, Al-Shaair launched himself into the quarterback, delivering an illegal helmet-to-helmet hit that caused Lawrence’s helmet to slam against the turf.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) slides for a down as Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) makes a late hit during the second quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
The play occurred near the Jaguars sideline, escalating tensions between the AFC South rivals.

 

Lawrence remained on the ground for several minutes before being assisted onto a cart.

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Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) is shaken after a hit from Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) during the second quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
He sat upright as the Jaguars’ medical staff transported him to the locker room.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) is taken off the field in a medical cart during the second quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
The Jaguars later confirmed that Lawrence would not return to the game due to a concussion.

The hit by Al-Shaair immediately triggered a brawl on the Jaguars sideline.

Dec 1, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA;Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) is held back by Houston Texans linebacker Henry To’oTo’o (39) after being ejected against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Several players from both teams became involved in the altercation before officials regained control.

As a result of the incident, Al-Shaair was disqualified from the game for his hit on Lawrence.

Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones, who reacted in defense of his quarterback, was also ejected.

Additionally, Jaguars tight end Evan Engram was flagged for unnecessary roughness during the scuffle.

This marks a low point for Al-Shaair and the Texans as the NFL continues its efforts to eliminate dangerous plays from the game, particularly hits targeting quarterbacks.

The game was Lawrence’s return to action after missing Jacksonville’s previous two contests due to an injury to his non-throwing shoulder.

Before the hit, he had completed four of his 10 pass attempts for 41 yards and an interception. Backup quarterback Mac Jones stepped in for the Jaguars as Lawrence underwent evaluation in the locker room.

The hit drew widespread criticism from NFL fans and analysts.

Many called for Al-Shaair to face a lengthy suspension, arguing that such hits have no place in today’s game.

NFL rules are designed to protect quarterbacks from unnecessary and dangerous contact, particularly when they are sliding to avoid tackles.

Critics noted that Lawrence began his slide well before the hit, giving Al-Shaair ample time to avoid contact.

The incident also reignited discussions about player safety in the NFL.

Concussions remain a significant concern for the league, and plays like this highlight the challenges of enforcing rules designed to minimize head injuries.

As the Jaguars assess Lawrence’s recovery, the league is expected to review the play and could impose additional discipline on Al-Shaair.

The Texans linebacker’s actions are likely to be scrutinized in light of the NFL’s ongoing efforts to improve player safety and eliminate dirty hits from the game.

The Jaguars, now relying on their backup quarterback, will look to regroup as they continue their season.

Meanwhile, the Texans face questions about discipline and sportsmanship after Sunday’s controversial incident.