Sunday's matchup between the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars erupted into a brawl after linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair knocked quarterback Trevor Lawrence out of the game.
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The incident unfolded with just over four minutes remaining in the second quarter. Lawrence dropped back on second-and-7 on his own 49-yard line and then scrambled to the left side of the line. He raced forward and then started to slide at the first-down marker. Al-Shaair dove in and hit the defenseless Lawrence in the head.
A brutal hit on #Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence, resulting in the ejection of #Texans LB Aziz Al-Shaair pic.twitter.com/9vETTebiIk
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 1, 2024
Veteran tight end Evan Engram, who saw the hit, ran over and hit Al-Shaair from behind. This knocked the linebacker back onto the ground, and it started the massive brawl as players from both teams jumped into the fray.
These players continued to fight while the training staff attended to Lawrence, who remained on his back. The quarterback ultimately left the game in a medical cart. The team subsequently ruled him out with a head injury.
The officials issued multiple offsetting penalties after the fight ended. They ejected Al-Shaair and Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones. They also penalized Engram for unnecessary roughness.
"Azeez Al-Shaair does everything you're trying to prevent in this situation," commentator Daryl Johnston said.
"It's reckless, it's disrespectful. There's an honor that you give to your opponent on the football field and you respect him."
This game was Lawrence's first since a 23-28 loss to the Eagles. He sprained his AC joint and then missed games against the Vikings and Lions. The Bye week provided another week of rest as Lawrence attempted to make his return to the lineup.
With Lawrence out of action, the Jaguars turned to backup Mac Jones to lead the way against the Texans. The former Patriots quarterback took control of the offense after the brawl and he put it in position for a field goal before halftime.
