Lawrence suffered a concussion after a hit to his head in the first half of Sunday’s game.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ season took another turn for the worse on Sunday when Trevor Lawrence suffered a concussion on a tackle by Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair — which the quarterback’s teammates described as a “dirty hit.”
Lawrence was making his return to action Sunday after missing two games with a left shoulder injury. The concussion has led to questions over whether the Jaguars should shut Lawrence down for the rest of the season rather than risk further injury to their franchise quarterback — who signed a five-year, $275 million contract in the offseason.
The Jaguars are now 2-10 and were officially eliminated from contention to win the AFC South on Sunday with the 23-20 loss to the Texans. Another loss would eliminate them from the playoffs entirely.
Lawrence’s concussion is the latest setback in a disappointing 2024. The season began with playoff expectations after owner Shad Khan said this was the best Jaguars team ever assembled. But nothing has gone to plan.
The team has been riddled with injuries, the offense has regressed and they entered Sunday with the worst defense in the league. Coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke also face uncertain futures.
Here is an initial look at Lawrence’s status:
Al-Shaair hit Lawrence in the head after the quarterback slid at the end of a 6-yard scramble late in the first half. Jaguars tight end Evan Engram retaliated against Al-Shaair, and that sparked the first of two fights between the teams. By the time the melee cleared, officials ejected Al-Shaair for an illegal hit to the quarterback’s head and neck area and assessed Engram a personal foul penalty.
The brawl happened a few yards away from Lawrence, who was down on his back with his arms in what appeared to be the fencing posture — an involuntary position that occurs after a brain injury.
