Trevor Lawrence wants ‘vital’ surgical procedure after unlawful hit from Texans’ Azeez Al-Shaair: report

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence would require surgical procedure to restore an AC joint damage in his left shoulder, in accordance with NFL.com. 

Lawrence initially injured his shoulder in Week 9 towards the Philadelphia Eagles and missed two video games earlier than returning Sunday towards the Houston Texans. He was the sufferer of an unlawful hit by Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair that landed him on season-ending injured reserve.

The hit incited a quick however intense melee between the 2 groups after Al-Shaair was flagged on the play and later dealt a three-game suspension with out pay. 

Lawrence’s fourth NFL season ended after a disappointing 2-10 begin. It is the second 12 months in a row Lawrence has injured his shoulder. 

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Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) leaves the sphere on a cart after getting injured on a late hit by Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair through the first half of a sport Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla.  (AP Picture/John Raoux)

Final season, he sustained a shoulder damage in a 30–12 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16. He missed the staff’s subsequent sport, the primary he had missed in his profession attributable to damage. He had solely missed video games in school at Clemson when he examined constructive for COVID in 2020. 

Lawrence, who signed a $275 million contract extension with the Jaguars within the offseason, will bear the second main surgical procedure of his life. He beforehand had surgical procedure to restore a torn labrum in his left shoulder earlier than he was drafted first general in 2021. 

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The hit has develop into some of the controversial moments of the 2024 NFL season, prompting backlash towards Al-Shaair and sparking conversations about participant security amongst present and former gamers like Tom Brady and Stephon Gilmore.

Al-Shaair has apologized for the hit and insisted it wasn’t intentional. The linebacker appealed his suspension, however the NFL upheld it. 

Al-Shaair additionally spoke out towards “racist and Islamophobic followers” within the aftermath of the general public response to the incident. 

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) slides as Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) makes a late hit through the second quarter Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. (Corey Perrine/Florida Occasions-Union)

“I’ve all the time performed the sport as exhausting as I may. By no means with the intent to hurt anybody and anyone that is aware of me is aware of that. My aim is to hit you as exhausting as I can then I pray you’re nonetheless capable of stand up and play the following play,” he mentioned in an announcement. “And when the sport is over go dwelling to your loved ones unhurt as a result of it’s not private! It’s simply competitors. We each are attempting to do the identical factor which is present for our households!

“I genuinely didn’t see him sliding till it was too late. And all of it occurs within the blink of a watch. To Trevor I genuinely apologize to you for what ended up taking place. Earlier than the sport we spoke and I instructed you the way it was nice to see you again out on the sphere and wished you nicely. I’d by no means wish to see any participant harm due to successful I placed on them particularly one which’s deemed ‘late’ or ‘pointless.’ To the remainder of his teammates I can undoubtedly perceive you having his again and defending him in a state of affairs like that.”

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Al-Shaair was fined earlier this 12 months after he punched Chicago Bears working again Roschon Johnson on the sideline throughout a Week 2 sport. The incident occurred throughout a scuffle that began after Al-Shaair’s exhausting shot on Bears quarterback Caleb Williams close to the sideline wasn’t flagged.

The hit towards Lawrence Sunday resulted in a number of Jaguars gamers pouncing on Al-Shaair in retaliation, resulting in the violent melee. 

Jaguars tight finish Evan Engram was the primary participant seen pushing and shoving Al-Shaair after the hit earlier than different Jacksonville gamers adopted.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence takes a break through the second half of a sport towards the Miami Dolphins Sept. 8, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla.  (AP Picture/Wilfredo Lee)

Head coach Doug Pederson defended his staff Wednesday for its response. 

“We’re not out to harm anyone. We’re not out to spoil careers. We’re out to win a soccer sport and play exhausting throughout the guidelines. That’s our job. That’s how we coach it, that’s how we play it,” Pederson mentioned at a staff press convention. 

“In the event that they’re asking or suggesting we go after somebody, we’re not doing that. Flat out, we aren’t doing that. It’s not how I coach. It’s not how I’m going to educate these groups, these gamers. We’re simply going to exit and do our jobs. Play exhausting, play quick, play bodily throughout the guidelines.”

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans urged Lawrence ought to share accountability for the hit. 

“We stand behind Azeez and every part that got here from that,” Ryans mentioned. “After all, unlucky hit on a quarterback, nevertheless it’s two-fold. A variety of the quarterbacks nowadays, they attempt to benefit from the rule the place they slide late, and so they attempt to get an additional yard. 

“Now, you are a defender, and loads of onus is on the defender. … Unlucky that Trevor obtained harm. We hope Trevor’s OK. However, additionally, if we’re sliding, it’s a must to get down.”

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