Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence took a massive shot to his head on Sunday when the team played the Houston Texans. Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair came in low when Lawrence was attempting to slide, resulting in the quarterback suffering a concussion.
Read more: Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence Exits Game After Brutal Hit to Head
Now, the Jaguars are placing Lawrence on IR due to the head injury he sustained, which will sideline him for a minimum of four games.
Though it has not yet been confirmed by the Jaguars, this will likely end the rest of Lawrence's career in 2024.
Lawrence ending his 2024 season in this manner is heartbreaking, as the star quarterback had just returned in Week 12 following an AC joint injury that kept him out for Weeks 9 and 10.
Lawrence healed up enough to return following the Jaguars' Week 11 bye. However, he was knocked out of the game after receiving a brutal headshot from Al-Shaair. Lawrence was sliding when he was hit late by Al-Shaair, which resulted in him taking a massive shot to the head.
Lawrence was seen on the ground doing the "fencing posture" which is an involuntary movement of the hands when someone takes a big shot to their head. Naturally, he was ruled out of the game, and he had to be carted off the field.
Following the hit, players on both the Jaguars and Texans got into a massive brawl, which resulted in Al-Shaair being ejected from the game.
Read more: Texans LB Given Huge Suspension For Brutal Hit That Knocked Out Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence
The NFL investigated the matter and came down with a huge suspension, handing Al-Shaair a three-game suspension. Al-Shaair had posted a lengthy apology to Lawrence for the hit, but his kind words were not enough for the league.
Read more: Texans GM Rips the NFL For Azeez Al-Shaair Suspension, Calls Treatment 'Bull----'
Al-Shaair's suspension is severe and has led to many current and former players speaking on the lengthy punishment. Texans general manager Nick Caserio even ripped into the NFL, stating that the suspension is "bull****."
Al-Shaair appealed the decision and is being heard by the NFL, though the announcement of his win or loss has not yet been revealed. Considering Lawrence has been placed on IR, Al-Shaair might have even more trouble winning his appeal.
Lawrence signed a five-year, $275 million extension before the 2024 season began, which tied him with Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow as the highest-paid quarterback in the league at the time. Both make $55 million per season. This was before the Cowboys awarded Dak Prescott with the richest contract in NFL history, paying him $60 million per season.
Lawrence signing this major contract and dealing with injuries is certainly devastating. Now, he will focus on healing and getting ready for the 2025 season.
For more on the Jaguars, head to Newsweek Sports.
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