The Jacksonville Jaguars faced another blow this Sunday as their star quarterback Trevor Lawrence suffered a concussion after a controversial hit from Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. Teammates described the tackle, which occurred while Lawrence was sliding after a scramble, as a “dirty hit.”
This latest injury comes just as Lawrence was returning from a previous left shoulder injury that kept him sidelined for two games. The severity of the concussion has raised urgent discussions about whether the Jaguars should consider ending Lawrence’s season early to prevent further injuries to their franchise quarterback, particularly given his substantial five-year contract worth $275 million signed just this offseason.
The Jaguars’ season has not gone as hoped, now with a record of 2-10 and officially eliminated from playoff contention following their 23-20 loss to the Texans. Expectations were high at the season’s start, with owner Shad Khan stating that this was the best Jaguars team ever assembled, but the reality has been quite different. Injuries have plagued the team, the offense has not met expectations, and they have operated with the worst defense in the league. This situation puts head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke’s futures in question.
The specific details of Lawrence’s injury show that Al-Shaair hit him in the head, causing him to hit the ground hard, leading to a visible fencing posture — a sign of a brain injury — as he lay on the field. Medical staff attended to him for several minutes before he was carted off. Pederson later confirmed that Lawrence was in concussion protocol but did not provide additional details, noting he spoke with Lawrence at halftime and expressed optimism about his condition.
Following the game, Lawrence reassured fans by posting on X that he was “home and feeling better.” However, he faces an uncertain road to recovery as he must progress through the concussion protocol, which could extend for days or even weeks. Pederson highlighted the importance of practice for Lawrence’s comfort in playing, implying that if he cannot practice soon, his chances of playing against Tennessee next week are slim.
The possibility of shutting Lawrence down for the remainder of the season has been broached, particularly given that he is not fully recovered from his previous shoulder injury and the team’s current position. The Jaguars are also down two starting receivers, further diminishing their competitive capabilities.
This marks Lawrence’s second diagnosed concussion with the Jaguars and the third in his career, previously suffering from concussions during his time at Clemson. Comparisons have been drawn between his situation and that of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who faced a lengthier recovery process earlier this season.
If Lawrence is sidelined long-term, Mac Jones is expected to continue as the backup quarterback, following C.J. Beathard’s recent signing as additional quarterback depth. Despite struggling in prior games, Jones showed improvement against the Texans, throwing for 235 yards and two touchdowns.
While the Jaguars face significant challenges, there is still hope for a renewed team dynamic with Lawrence’s eventual recovery. In the long run, ensuring that he is healthy could set the stage for a more robust performance next season. A focus on player health and future strategy may lead to a more productive Jaguars team in years to come.