Trevor Lawrence‘s return to the lineup has come to an abrupt end. Jacksonville’s quarterback was carted off the field following a hit from Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (video link via ESPN’s Adam Schefter). 
Lawrence has since been ruled out of the game with a concussion. Al-Shaair was ejected from the contest, and the matter of whether or not he faces supplemental discipline will be worth watching closely over the coming days. In the meantime, the Jaguars will move forward without their starting quarterback once again.
By the start of the current campaign, Lawrence had only missed one game due to injury. The former No. 1 pick suffered an AC joint sprain in his non-throwing shoulder during Jacksonville’s Week 9 contest, though, and that left him sidelined through to Jacksonville’s bye week. As expected, Lawrence managed to return to action today, but a head injury suffered in the closing weeks of a 2-9 season may represent his last action in 2024.
Prior to suiting up for Sunday’s contest, Lawrence acknowledged that surgery on his shoulder was a possibility (albeit one he preferred to avoid given how it would shut him down for the remainder of the season). Jacksonville is not in playoff contention, so taking a cautious approach would not have come as a surprise with respect to his shoulder. Now, the team may opt to keep the Clemson product on the sidelines for the rest of the year. At a minimum, more missed time should be expected.
Lawrence joined the growing list of quarterbacks attached to monster extensions this offseason, signing a five-year, $275MM deal. Given the nature of Jacksonville’s commitment to him, it would come as no surprise if a stint on injured reserve were to be explored. That would entail at least a four-game absence, something which could in turn lend itself to Lawrence remaining unavailable until 2025.
Jacksonville will once again turn to backup Mac Jones at quarterback. The former Patriots first-rounder did not impress during his two starts when Lawrence was previously sidelined, but this latest injury will give him another opportunity to deliver a strong showing. Doing so would help Jones’ value as a pending free agent.
I guess Pederson was trying to prove he could be as stupid as Matt Eberflus by having Trevor start in a meaningless game.
Per a previous posting of mine – I agree!
We’ve got ourselves another mouth-breathing a$$hole who supports headhunting in the NFL.
CBS showed the play at halftime of the Steeler game — Al-Shaair was deservedly disqualified (NOT “ejected”) for a late hit on a sliding Lawrence. Jaguars DB Jarrian Jones also got DQ’d for retaliating against Al-Shaair.
There’s hard hits, which is fine. It’s football, a contact sport. Then there’s cheap shots, which this clearly was.
That was suspension worthy; Commish List even
Dude shouldn’t get to play another down in pro football.
I’m of the opinion, with a hit like that, he shouldn’t be allowed to play football again until Lawrence is able to take the field again. That hit was clearly dirty and done with the intent of hurting Lawrence.
Agreed, App. There’s a decent chance Lawrence doesn’t play again this season so neither should this guy.
Problem is he’s done this dirty move twice this season. This one was just worse.
My bet is the punishment is minimal. Goodell and his minions are wusses.
Dirty cheap hit.
This is a rivalry divisional game but still no place for those hits.