Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was carted off Sunday after a direct helmet-to-helmet hit from Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair left him sprawled on the field in Jacksonville.
The goal sparked a brawl between the teams and led to the ejection of Al-Shaair and Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones. Jaguars tight end Evan Engram was also penalized for unnecessary roughness for his role in the ensuing fight.
Lawrence eventually left the field sitting upright on a cart. That was him was removed from the match shortly afterwards with a head wound. Backup Mac Jones took over at quarterback.
The goal came in the second quarter when Houston had a 6-0 lead. Lawrence scrambled on second-and-7 near midfield and slid to the gain line. As Lawrence slid, Al-Shaair dove headfirst and made direct contact with the crown of Lawrence’s helmet.
A flag was immediately thrown. Al-Shaair’s first reaction was to protest the punishment before he was immediately hit by Engram. A brawl ensued that spilled over to the Jaguars’ sideline.
Al-Shaair and two of his teammates were swarmed by Jaguars before officials finally got the fight under control. Lawrence was left face up on the field before the fight was resolved. Eventually he was able to get up before leaving the field on a cart.
Once the initial fight was resolved, Jaguars guard Brandon Scherff approached Al-Shaair, and another scuffle ensued. After the ejections, Al-Shaair was escorted from the field by a police officer, several Texans staffers and his teammate Will Anderson Jr.
Fans pelted Al-Shaair with objects as he left the field, the CBS broadcast said. The game then resumed with Jones at quarterback for Jacksonville.
