The NFL is suspending Houston Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair three games for the hit he delivered Sunday to Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence, as per Adam Schefter.
In Sunday’s game, Lawrence slid near the first-down marker on this second down play late in the first half, but Al-Shaair launched into the QB’s head with a forearm.
The hit forced Lawrence to leave the game with a concussion and then a fight began along the Jaguars sideline, and Al-Shaair was ejected from the game, along with Jacksonville CB Jarrian Jones.
After the game, Al-Shaairw issued an apology to Lawrence.
“I genuinely didn’t see him sliding until it was too late. And it all happens in the blink of an eye.
To Trevor I genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening. I would never want t see any player hurt because of a hit I put on them especially one that’s deemed ‘late’ or ‘unnecessary.’
To the rest of his teammates I can definitely understand you having his back and defending him in a situation like that.
The Texans have a bye in Week 14, so their Week 15 game against the Dolphins would be the first possible game he’ll miss during any suspension.
Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence, #16, slides for a down as Houston Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair, #0, makes a late hit during the second quarter of an NFL football matchup on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. Photo courtesy of Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union
