Tua Tagovailoa knows what it’s like to be in Trevor Lawrence’s shoes right now.
If anyone can relate to Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, it’s the Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa.
On Sunday, Lawrence suffered a concussion when he was leveled while sliding to protect himself. Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was ejected for the hit and received a three-game suspension that will keep him out of action in a Week 15 game against the Dolphins.
“I thought that was crazy,” Tagovailoa said of the hit in a Wednesday press conference. “[Lawrence] was giving himself up and the defensive guy came and smoked him. Then again, I don’t know the reaction time with being a defender trying to go and make a play on a guy. I don’t know all the logistics with that. But I felt like he did have time to sort of — even if he was going to launch, he could’ve launched out of the way, knowing that Trevor was giving himself up.
“I hope Trevor is doing OK. I hope his family is OK. I know that can take a toll on your family more than yourself sometimes. I hope his wife is OK, as well.”
Tagovailoa, 26, suffered multiple concussions during the 2022 season and suffered another earlier this season that sent him to the injured reserve. While he admitted after the 2022 season that he considered retirement, the quarterback said he had no thought of walking away after his latest head injury.
Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair drilled Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence late as he had given himself up on a slide while trying to pick up the first down. With Lawrence sliding feet first, Al-Shaair dove at him and delivered a blow with his forearm to the head.
While Lawrence appeared to be knocked unconscious, Jaguars tight end Evan Engram shoved Al-Shaair to the ground in retaliation. Multiple other players from either side got involved as the swarm carried over toward Jacksonville’s.
DeMeco Ryans on Azeez Al-Shaair’s hit on Trevor Lawrence:
“It’s unfortunate. It’s not what we’re coaching.”
He also added, that play doesn’t represent who Al-Shaair is as a player or a person: pic.twitter.com/hx9eWd08TB
Things got so far out of control that Texans coach DeMeco Ryans came across the field to grab Al-Shaair himself to try and calm down the veteran defender. Lawrence, who returned Sunday for the first time since Week 9, was carted off and ruled out with a head injury.
“That’s not what we’re coaching,” Ryans told reporters postgame. “We want to be smart in everything we do and not hurt the team, (not) get a penalty there. We just have to be smarter when the quarterback is going down.”
Really classy move from @CJ7STROUD who ended his news conf with thoughts on Trevor Lawrence: “Prayers to Trevor.I really hope & pray he’s okay & prayers for his family as well.I’m still rocking with Azeez (Al-Shaair). I don’t think that was his intent.I pray that Trevor is okay” pic.twitter.com/RyzrIan94K
Al-Shaair, along with Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones, were ejected from the game because of their role in the aftermath. Even after the decision was final, Al-Shaair continued jawing with Jaguars players as he headed to the locker room.
Eventually, linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and running back Joe Mixon made sure the situation didn’t continue.
“Just an unfortunate play, not representative of who Azeez is,” Ryans said. “Azeez is a smart player, a really great leader for us. We felt his presence not being there, his loss, it really affected us on the defensive side.”
NEW ANGLE of Azeez Al-Shaair with the DIRTIEST hit of the season taking out Trevor Lawrence
To’oTo’o told reporters that Jacksonville players were trying to defend their quarterback, so they had to go to bat for their linebacker. Quarterback C.J. Stroud voiced his support for Al-Shaair and offered condolences to Lawrence for a speedy recovery.
“I’m still rocking with Azeez,” Stroud said. “I don’t think that was his intent. I pray that Trevor is OK and that his family is right there with him.”
Houston won’t know if Al-Shaair will be suspended until after the bye week, but Ryans said the team would address the linebacker personally about the incident and “move forward from it.”
“It’s not what we’re coaching,” Ryans said. “Didn’t want to see the melee and all the aftermath, that’s not what we’re about, not representative of us.”
The Houston Texans move to 8-5 on the regular season after securing a win on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
C.J. Stroud’s 22-yard touchdown pass to Dalton Schultz in the fourth quarter was the difference between another loss against an inferior opponent in the AFC South and a victory before the bye.
With the loss, the Jaguars have officially been eliminated from playoff contention.
The victory for Houston marked its second win in five weeks, entering Week 14’s bye. It also helped the AFC South leaders improve to 4-1 in the division, which could help them clinch the title when they return in Week 15.
Trevor Lawrence was hit late while trying to slide, which led to exchanges between Jags and Texans players. pic.twitter.com/34jwjiDLcN
Tempers flared just before halftime when linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair knocked out Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence as he tried to slide for a first down.
Tight end Evan Engram and several teammates attacked Al-Shaair, whose potential cheap shot could result in a suspension. Both benches cleared as a brawl ensued on the field for several minutes.
Lawrence, who missed the past two games due to a shoulder injury, was carted off and evaluated for a head injury. Al-Shaair, along with Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones, were both ejected for their roles in the fight after the hit.
Mac Jones replaced Lawrence and made things interesting in the fourth quarter down three scores. He threw for 235 yards and two touchdown passes and rallied the team back to come within three.
Stroud, who struggled in last week’s loss to the Titans with a pair of interceptions, completed 22 of 34 passes for 242 yards. Eleven pass attempts went to Nico Collins, who finished with a team-high 115 yards on eight catches.
Mixon’s 101-yard rushing performance marks the third time a running back has rushed for at least 100 yards and a touchdown in six road games during the same season. He joins Tiki Barber of the New York Giants (2004) and Derrick Henry of Tennessee (2020) to accomplish the feat.
The breakout running back averaged 5.1 yards on 20 carries and scored on a 7-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
Injuries
Texans safety Jimmie Ward was evaluated for a concussion but cleared to return. Schultz also injured his right shoulder in the third but returned for the fourth to secure what would be the game-winning touchdown.
What’s next?
The Texans get a much-needed bye week when they return home. After that, they’ll play three games against potential AFC playoff contenders in a 15-day span beginning on Dec. 15 at NRG Stadium against the Miami Dolphins.
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon is unstoppable against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at EverBank Stadium.
Don’t look now, but the Houston Texans have scored a second-half offensive touchdown.
While not a notable achievement for many, Joe Mixon’s 7-yard touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars was just the second touchdown in the second half since Week 6 for Houston’s offense.
Houston’s drive spanned five plays and 70 yards. Mixon ran on back-to-back plays to finish the possession in the end zone. He gained 37 yards on the two carries. Before the drive, Mixon had nine carries for 22 yards.
Mixon’s score is his 11th touchdown of the season, marking a career-best since his Pro Bowl season in 2021 with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Houston opened the drive with three consecutive passes, picking up a pair of double-digit gains from Nico Collins and Dalton Schultz.
Both of the pass catchers were shaken up after their receptions.
With a win, the Texans will improve to 4-1 in the AFC South enter next week’s bye.
Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. recorded his third interception in as many games against the Jacksonville Jaguars
While the offense has struggled, the Houston Texans defense is playing lights in the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. intercepted Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, to give the ball back to the offense. Stingley also had a 31-yard return.
The interception was Stingley’s third turnover of the season and second in the past three weeks.
Stingley has recorded at least one interception in all three of his meetings with the Jaguars, including his first career interception.
Last year, Stingley caught fire down the stretch as one of the NFL’s rising stars, notching five interceptions in the last eight games. Houston’s defense has forced 21 turnovers since Week 6.
Houston has moved around pieces in the secondary to account for the loss of Jalen Pitre. Jimmie Ward has primarily handled slot responsibilities, but Kamari Lassiter also took snaps on the inside with Jeff Okudah spending time on the outside.
The Texans will receive the ball to begin the third quarter.
They have a strong understanding following Friday’s practice.
Fourth-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence is on track to return to the lineup for the AFC South showdown after missing the past two games with a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder.
Jaguars HC Doug Pederson said QB Trevor Lawrence, who missed the past two games with a left shoulder injury, is expected to play Sunday’s game vs. the Texans.
“I would say as of right now, yes, he will play,” Pederson told reporters Friday.”You know, we’ll get through today, Friday, Saturday, but he’s had a good week.”
Lawrence injured his non-throwing shoulder during the first half of Week 9’s loss against the Philadelphia Eagles but remained in the game. He missed the next two games, leading to Mac Jones taking over as the starter.
Jacksonville (2-9) had a bye week to rest, giving Lawrence time to recover before retaking the field. Pederson suggested he would not drastically alter Jacksonville’s offensive game plan should Lawrence play against Houston but will be mindful of putting his quarterback in harm’s way.
“You don’t want your quarterback to get hit anyway, but yeah, you just got to be conscious of moving around or too many design runs or anything like that,” Pederson said. “But if he’s cleared to play, we go play and can’t worry about getting hit or taking a shot or anything like that.”
Jones, who started three seasons for the New England Patriots, hasn’t been the sole problem to Jacksonville’s woes, but the offense has struggled with him under center. Over the past two starts, the Jaguars have managed just a combined 313 yards and 13 points.
#Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence looked much more comfortable today imo throwing at practice. Hes expected to play Sunday against Houston: pic.twitter.com/c8QooUhiFc
In nine games, Lawrence has 61.3% of his passes for 2,004 yards and 11 touchdowns against six interceptions. On Wednesday, he told reporters that his shoulder feels the best it has since the injury and that he wanted to play against the Texans.
“Hopefully, I’m able to get back out there this week or as soon as possible and then it’s going to be just every week kind of evaluating it, seeing where it’s at,” Lawrence said.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT. The Texans enter as a 5.5-point favorite.
NFL, FBS, and FCS teams from the state of Florida were 0-11 this weekend before the Dolphins got a win.
Football teams at the NFL, FBS, and FCS level in the state of Florida had a rough weekend. The Miami Dolphins didn’t, though.
Thanks to a 23-15 win against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night, the Sunshine State avoided its first ever winless weekend. Prior to the victory, the state of Florida was 0-11.
East Carolina 49, Florida Atlantic 14 (Thursday)
Texas 49, Florida 17 (Saturday)
Georgia Tech 28, Miami 23 (Saturday)
Notre Dame 52, Florida State 3 (Saturday)
Navy 28, South Florida 7 (Saturday)
Arizona State 35, Central Florida 31 (Saturday)
Prairie View A&M 31, Florida A&M 12 (Saturday)
Southern 25, Bethune-Cookman 23 (Saturday)
Marist 40, Stetson 31 (Saturday)
San Francisco 49ers 23, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20 (Sunday)
Perhaps the Sunshine State’s curse had a Sunday night expiration date.
Had the Dolphins been unable to beat the Rams, it would’ve been an 0-12 week of results for the state. It also would’ve been the third week of NFL action with the Jaguars, Buccaneers, and Dolphins all picking up losses — another potential first.
Instant analysis of the Packers’ 30-27 win over the Jaguars in Week 8.
The Green Bay Packers overcame an injury to Jordan Love and two blown leads in the second half to escape Jacksonville with a walk-off win on a 24-yard field goal from Brandon McManus on Sunday at EverBank Stadium. Backup Malik Willis found Jayden Reed for a 51-yard completion to set up the field goal that sent the Packers to a 30-27 victory.
Matt LaFleur’s team has won four straight games and is now 6-2 overall.
Here is an instant analysis of the Packers’ win over the Jaguars in Week 8:
Final score: Packers 30, Jaguars 27
1
2
3
4
F
GB (6-2)
0
13
7
10
30
JAX (2-6)
0
10
7
10
27
Live scoring
Second quarter
GB 7, JAX 0: Josh Jacobs 3-yard run (11:31)
GB 10, JAX 0: Brandon McManus 31-yard field goal (6:03)
GB 10, JAX 7: Trevor Lawrence 6-yard run (2:37)
GB 13, JAX 7: Brandon McManus 36-yard field goal (0:54)
GB 13, JAX 10: Cam Little 39-yard field goal (0:03)
Third quarter
JAX 17, GB 13: Brian Thomas Jr. 14-yard catch (5:10)
GB 20, JAX 17: Josh Jacobs 38-yard run (0:21)
… the Packers dialed up the perfect play, Malik Willis “canned” to the throw and Jayden Reed produced a 51-yard catch on the Packers’ final drive. The explosive play allowed the Packers to kill the rest of the clock and kick the short field goal to win the game with no time left.
Malik Willis to Jayden Reed for 51 yards to set up the game winning FG for the second week in a row by Brandon McManus, who played for the Jaguars last season. pic.twitter.com/6kH0k9TpZX
Offense — RB Josh Jacobs: The veteran running back turned 25 carries into 127 yards and two scores, including a go-ahead 38-yard touchdown in the second half.
Defense — LB Edgerrin Cooper: His strip-sack created a turnover and a quick touchdown after Jordan Love went out with an injury. Later, he broke up a pass on third down to force a punt. The rookie led the Packers with nine tackles.
Special teams — K Brandon McManus: In his return to Jacksonville, McManus made all six of his kicks, including all three field goals. His 24-yarder was the walk-off winner.
Key stat
2-for-6: The Packers finished with only two touchdowns on six red zone trips, including a 1-for-4 start in the first half. Jordan Love threw an interception and the Packers settled for three short field goals. The Jaguars were 3-for-3 scoring touchdowns in the red zone. This situational gap kept the Jaguars in the game, especially early.
Deciding factor
Additions: Xavier McKinney’s sixth interception of the season set up a touchdown, Josh Jacobs rushed for two scores, Malik Willis led a game-winning drive and Brandon McManus kicked home the game-winner. All four were added to the roster in the last seven months. Not a bad day for Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst.
Jordan Love watch
Love appeared to suffer a lower-body injury on the Packers’ first possession. After playing through the issue for a half, Love went down on the first possession of the second half, exited the game and didn’t return. He has a groin injury. Before exiting, Love completed 14 of 22 passes for 196 yards and an interception. His mobility was severely limited after the injury. In relief, Malik Willis completed four passes — including the 51-yarder to Jayden Reed and a short touchdown pass to Tucker Kraft — and rushed for 23 yards.
Play of the game
Jordan Love exited the game with an injury and the Packers gave up the lead soon after, but Josh Jacobs helped change the course of the game with a touchdown drive on Malik Willis’ first series. He finished it off with an impressive 38-yard score. He made a tackler miss in the open field and then used a block from Christian Watson to get into the end zone.
Injury updates
Safety Evan Williams injured his hamstring in warmups and was eventually ruled out. Quarterback Jordan Love injured his groin and missed most of the second half. Running back Josh Jacobs and cornerback Jaire Alexander both appeared to suffer injuries late.
What’s next
The biggest game of the season so far. Coming to Green Bay next Sunday will be the Detroit Lions, who are 6-1 and leading the NFC North after cruising past the Tennessee Titans on Sunday at Ford Field. The Packers are going to have a ton of injury question marks entering Week 9.
Follow along with Packers Wire for live updates and highlights from Packers vs. Jaguars in Week 8 of the 2024 season on Sunday.
The Green Bay Packers are on the road and attempting to run their record to 6-2 during Sunday’s showdown with the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium.
Matt LaFleur’s team has already beaten the Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans through the first seven weeks. A win over the Jaguars Sunday would complete the AFC South sweep.
Follow along with Packers Wire for live updates and highlights from Packers vs. Jaguars in Week 8:
Final score: Packers 30, Jaguars 27
1
2
3
4
F
GB (6-2)
0
13
7
10
30
JAX (2-6)
0
10
7
10
27
Live scoring
Second quarter
GB 7, JAX 0: Josh Jacobs 3-yard run (11:31)
GB 10, JAX 0: Brandon McManus 31-yard field goal (6:03)
GB 10, JAX 7: Trevor Lawrence 6-yard run (2:37)
GB 13, JAX 7: Brandon McManus 36-yard field goal (0:54)
GB 13, JAX 10: Cam Little 39-yard field goal (0:03)
Third quarter
JAX 17, GB 13: Brian Thomas Jr. 14-yard catch (5:10)
GB 20, JAX 17: Josh Jacobs 38-yard run (0:21)
Wyatt in, Walker inactive: The Packers are getting back Devonte Wyatt, who missed the last three games with an ankle injury, but Quay Walker is inactive after suffering a concussion last Sunday. Expect to see plenty of Eric Wilson, Edgerrin Cooper and Isaiah McDuffie at linebacker.
No score through one: The Packers and Jaguars are tied at 0-0 through one quarter, but the Packers have a big yard advantage — 108 to 15 — and time of possession advantage. Green Bay ran 18 plays and held the ball for 11:19 of the first 15 minutes. The Jaguars went three-and-out on both possessions to start the game.
Another pick for X: A few plays after Jordan Love was intercepted in the red zone, Xavier McKinney got the ball right back with his sixth interception of the season. He was in the right place at the right time to pick off Trevor Lawrence’s misfire. Six picks in eight games for the former Giant.
Xavier McKinney has his 6th interception of the season!
Packers take the lead: After Xavier McKinney’s interception and a 21-yard pass interference penalty, the Packers took a 7-0 lead on Josh Jacobs’ 3-yard touchdown run. Green Bay is dominating the game in almost every way, and now Matt LaFleur’s team has a lead.
Big play Tuck: A new career-long reception for Packers tight end Tucker Kraft — 67 yards on a catch-and-run after an extended play from Jordan Love. The play set up a field goal for the Packers.
Packers go up six: Trevor Lawrence’s 6-yard touchdown run cut into the Packers’ lead, but Jordan Love led another scoring drive. Green Bay got a couple of shots to score but couldn’t get it done — settling for a field goal from the red zone. It’s 13-7, but the Packers are 1-for-4 scoring touchdowns in the red zone in the first half.
13-10 at half: The Packers mostly dominated, but a lack of situational finish from Matt LaFleur’s team has the Jaguars right in it at the half. The Jaguars drove the field and kicked a short field goal to cut the lead to 13-10. Jacksonville gets the ball to start the third quarter.
Love hurt, Jags lead: Jordan Love exited the game on the first drive of the second half, and then the Jaguars drove the field for the go-ahead touchdown. Rookie defensive back Javon Bullard gave up an explosive play and the touchdown pass to Brian Thomas Jr. The Packers need a response.
Injury update: Jordan Love is questionable to return with a groin injury. Evan Williams was ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Josh Jacobs re-takes the lead: Malik Willis ripped off a 20-yard run, and Jacobs produced one of his most impressive runs of the season on a 38-yard score that gave the Packers a 20-17 lead. Watch Jacobs make a man miss at the second level and race into the end zone for a go-ahead score:
What a response: The Packers turned a 3-point deficit into a 10-point lead with an onslaught from the offense and defense. After Josh Jacobs’ 38-yard touchdown run re-took the lead, the Packers defense created a takeaway when Edgerrin Cooper’s strip-sack led to a Devonte Wyatt fumble recovery. A few plays later, Malik Willis hit Tucker Kraft on a well-designed play-action call for a short touchdown pass. It’s 27-17 Packers.
Can Packers hold on? The Jaguars drove for a field goal with 5:36 left. It’s 27-20. Can Malik Willis engineer a game-sealing drive? Or will the Packers defense need another stop?
Tied up: The Jaguars drove 87 yards to tie the game at 27 with 1:48 left. Evan Engram beat Keisean Nixon for a leaping 14-yard touchdown catch from Trevor Lawrence. Does Malik Willis have any late-game magic?
McManus walk-off winner again: A long completion from Malik Willis to Jayden Reed delivered the late dagger for the Packers. The big play set up Brandon McManus’ 24-yard game winner as time expired. Packers improve to 6-2.
