Azeez Al-Shaair was ejected from Sunday’s game after delivering “an illegal hit” on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the second quarter of the Houston Texans’ 23-20 victory.
That’s not the saga’s end as the Texans enter their bye week.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Al-Shaair is facing a potential suspension by the NFL for the hit. The report didn’t indicate how long the suspension could be or whether or not the league would issue a ban on the situation.
Since the incident, Al-Shaair has apologized on social media for the hit, stating that he wasn’t trying to hurt Lawrence during the play.
It is now anticipated that Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair will be suspended for the hit that he delivered Sunday to Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence. The only question is for how long. pic.twitter.com/P8phFecS02
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 2, 2024
“I’ve always played the game as hard as I could, never with the intent to harm anyone and anybody that knows me knows that,” Al-Shaair said in the statement. “My goal is to hit you as hard as I can, then I pray you’re still able to get up and play the next play, and when the game is over, go home to your family unharmed because it’s not personal it’s just competition! We both are trying to do the same thing which is provide for our families! I genuinely didn’t see him sliding until it was too late. And it all happens in the blink of an eye.”
Lawrence, who returned to the starting lineup Sunday after missing two games with a shoulder injury, began to slide on a second-and-7 after picking up six yards.
As the fourth-year quarterback began to lower his body, Al-Shaair jumped forward and delivered a blow with his forearm that appeared to knock Lawrence unconscious.
All Praise to Allah🤲🏾 pic.twitter.com/pEbCRAg8fF
— Azeez Al-shaair (@A_train2_) December 2, 2024
Jaguars tight end Evan Engram shoved Al-Shaair to the turf, thus leading to a fight between the two sides. It reached a breaking point when Texans coach DeMeco Ryans came onto the field to personally grab Al-Shaair and calm him down.
“Unfortunate with the hit with Azeez,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said. “It’s not what we’re coaching. Just want to be smart in everything we do and not hurt our team. I didn’t want to see the melee and all of the aftermath. It’s not what we’re about. I talked to Azeez and addressed it personally, and we’ll move forward.”
Lawrence was able to get up under his own pressure but was carted off and ruled out with a head injury. On Sunday night, Lawrence posted on X, notifying followers that he was home and “feeling better.”
Thank you to everyone who has reached out / been praying for me. I’m home and feeling better. Means a lot, thank you all🙌🏼
— Trevor Lawrence (@Trevorlawrencee) December 2, 2024
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If a suspension is issued, it would come into effect until next week. The Texans are off before returning for a three-game stretch in 15 days against the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day.
Houston closes out the season against the Tennessee Titans on the road in Week 17.
