The Jaguars couldn’t be in a tougher spot heading into the Texans’ game. For starters, the two teams are on the opposite side of the spectrum. A loss would all but punch their ticket out of playoff contention. And just when things couldn’t get worse, disaster struck—their star QB Trevor Lawrence went down with an apparent injury. But it only went downhill from there.

In a moment that had every Jaguars fan holding their breath, Lawrence took a brutal hit from Aziz Al-Shaair. How bad was it? Carting-off bad. Yeah Jacksonville, the damage was done.

NFL insider Ari Meirov didn’t mince words: “Aziz Al-Shaair with a NASTY cheap shot on Trevor Lawrence and the cart is coming out. Oh no.” Not exactly the update mid-game update anyone wants.

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But it all started when the Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair decided to ram Trevor down. Honestly, it wasn’t required at all. Late and you could say unsportsmanlike. And by late, we mean plenty of time to stop late. Al-Shaair launched himself into Lawrence’s head with his shoulder and forearm. So, as expected, the flag flew, Al-Shaair got ejected, and chaos took over.

What kind of chaos? The kind with multiple brawls. I mean, it did not take fellow Jaguars to roar into the scene. For the O-line QB is like their leader. So, when Trevor went down, and like that—with a cheap shot from the opposite number—you knew Evan Engram and Jarrian Jones weren’t shying away from giving a few blows back. So much so that, Jones joined Al-Shaair in the ejection club.

Meanwhile, the sight of Lawrence lying motionless on the field was not at all good. It was concussion with what we could make outta the post-hit signs. Not good…sigh. More updates will follow in the upcoming days. But for Lawrence, this is just another sad news. Yup, another one this season.

Trevor Lawrence’s 2024 season is one to forget

Trevor Lawrence’s 2024 season has been a rollercoaster—one of those rides where the downs feel endless. This carting-off incident against Houston wasn’t the first. Before the game, the Jags’ QB was talking about surgeries and all (for his sprained left shoulder). But he was clear on one thing: to be back on the field. “It’s definitely something I’m considering,” Lawrence said about surgery. “But I want to be back out there with my guys.” Sounds like a true competitor, right? Wrong. Now, we know why.

This Lawrence’s injury saga began in week 9 against the Eagles when he sprained his AC joint. And even though he gutted through that game—almost pulling off a comeback—it’s been a rough road since. The Jaguars have struggled without him, mustering just 13 points in two games under backup QB Mac Jones.

But this is where the risk aspect started. See, the thing is, ahead of the Texans‘ clash HC Coach Doug Pederson said: “an encouraging sign” for a potential week 13 return. I mean, Lawrence could have been put on snap count against Houston. Instead, he started. Sure, he looked good. But now that hit has left his 2024 season in a mess. This, one injury after another, has also affected Lawrence’s numbers—2,004 yards, 11 TDs, six picks—are decent. But now, Jacksonville isn’t playoff-bound.  So, was risking your franchise QB’s health really worth it?

At some point, someone in Jacksonville’s front office must step in. Lawrence is competitive, sure. But risking further injury in a lost season? That’s a fumble waiting to happen. Sometimes, the best play isn’t heroic—it’s knowing when to sit out and regroup for the next drive.