Jaguars shut down Trevor Lawrence for season after illegal hit from Al-Shaair

The Jacksonville Jaguars have ruled out quarterback Trevor Lawrence for the remainder of the season after his latest concussion.

With the Jaguars (2-10) eliminated from the playoffs, they placed Lawrence on injured reserve on Wednesday. He would be eligible to return for the season finale in Indianapolis, but the belief is he will not play again this season. Mac Jones will start in place of Lawrence on Sunday at Tennessee (3-9).

Lawrence was carted off the field after taking a violent shot to the facemask of Houston’s Azeez Al-Shaair, a late goal that sparked a sideline brawl and a second scuffle a few minutes later.

The blow sent Lawrence into a fencing position – a common response to a traumatic brain injury in which both fists clenched – and he remained on the ground for several minutes as a fight ensued nearby. Lawrence was quickly ruled out due to a concussion.

Al-Shair, who was suspended for three matches for the hit, has apologized to Lawrence. “To Trevor, I would like to sincerely apologize for what ultimately happened,” Al-Shaair wrote on the best. “I would never want a player to be injured by a hit I placed on him, especially when it was deemed ‘late’ or ‘unnecessary’.”

It was the latest injury for Lawrence, who missed a game in 2023 due to a sprained right shoulder. He also missed significant practice time due to a sprained left knee in October, a sprained right ankle in early December and a concussion two weeks later.

Lawrence threw for 2,045 yards in 10 games this season, with 11 touchdown passes and seven interceptions. The Jaguars also signed John Wolford to the practice squad to give them a third QB option.

Jacksonville has claimed receiver Josh Reynolds off waivers from Denver to fill Lawrence’s roster spot. The 29-year-old Reynolds has 12 catches for 183 yards and a touchdown this season.