The Jaguars and Texans’ benches cleared after Houston linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair laid a huge hit on Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence as he slid to conclude a six-yard run in the second quarter, leading to an extended skirmish between the teams.
Lawrence was ruled out of the game with a concussion by the Jaguars just before halftime.
Jacksonville tight end Evan Engram flew in to defend Lawrence and take on Al-Shaair after the tackle, resulting in a mass of Jaguars and Texans fighting and arguing while Lawrence was attended to by medical staff. He was eventually carted off the field.
Aziz Al-Shaair injured Trevor Lawrence: pic.twitter.com/jCypirecKl
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 1, 2024
Al-Shaair, Engram and Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones received personal foul penalties for their conduct, which offset. Al-Shaair and Jones were ejected from the game.
Al-Shaair continued to mouth off at Jaguars players, including left guard Brandon Scherff and wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., as he was escorted off the field, prolonging the scuffle as players from both teams swarmed to diffuse the situation.
Al-Shaair continued to seek a fight as he was walking to the locker room pic.twitter.com/jKtQ1teEyA
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) December 1, 2024
Sunday marked Lawrence’s return to play after missing Jacksonville’s last two games with an AC joint sprain in his left, non-throwing shoulder.
Mac Jones took over at quarterback for the Jaguars with Lawrence ruled out.
This is a breaking news story that will be updated.