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 hit 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. He was ruled out of the game shortly thereafter with a head injury. Backup Mac Jones took over at quarterback.
The hit took place in the second quarter as Houston held a 6-0 lead. Lawrence scrambled on second-and-7 near midfield and slid near the line of gain. As Lawrence slid, Al-Shaair dove head first and made direct contact to Lawrence’s helmet with the crown of his.
A flag was immediately thrown. Al-Shaair’s first response was to protest the penalty before he was immediately hit by Engram. A brawl ensued and spilled over onto the Jaguars sideline.
Al-Shaair and two of his teammates were swarmed by Jaguars before officials eventually subdued the melee. Lawrence remained lying face-up on the field before the fight settled. He was eventually able to stand up before leaving the field on a cart.
Once the initial fight settled, Jaguars guard Brandon Scherff approached Al-Shaair, and another scuffle ensued. After the ejections, Al-Shaair was escorted off the field by a police officer, multiple Texans staffers and his teammate Will Anderson Jr. Al-Shaair jawed with fans as he approached the tunnel.
Fans pelted Al-Shaair with objects as he left the field, according to the CBS broadcast. The game then resumed with Jones at quarterback for Jacksonville.