Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was ruled out of Sunday's 23-20 loss due to a concussion after sustaining an illegal hit in the first half against the Houston Texans.
Lawrence was hit in the head by Texans defender Azeez Al-Shaair while sliding following a 6-yard run. Lawrence was noticeably shaken up on the play and a skirmish took place after multiple Jaguars players took issue with Al-Shaair's hit, for which he was ejected.
Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones was also ejected for his role in the ensuing fight, while Jacksonville tight end Evan Engram received a 15-yard flag for unnecessary roughness.
Lawrence left the field on a golf cart and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game. Lawrence was 4 of 10 for 41 yards with an interception at the time of his injury.
"It's a play that has no business in our league," Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said after the game, .
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans also told reporters that the play by Al-Shaair is "not what we coach."
"It's not representative of who Azeez is," Ryans added. "He's a smart player. A really great leader for us. We felt his presence not being there."
Al-Shaair Monday morning on social media.
"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 wrote. "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.
"To Trevor [I] genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening. Before the game we spoke and I told you how it was great to see you back out on the field and wished you well. I would never want to see any player hurt because of a hit I put on them especially one that's deemed 'late' or 'unnecessary.' To the rest of his teammates I can definitely understand you having his back and defending him in a situation like that.
"To the rest of the people who I've been called every single name in the book from reporters with their hands ready for a story to find their [villain], to racist and Islamophobic fans and people, you don't know my heart nor my character which I don't need to prove to any of you. God knows my intentions and anyone who has ever been a teammate or friend of mine knows my heart."
Veteran Mac Jones replaced Lawrence at QB. Jones went 20 of 32 for 235 yards with two TDs in relief.
Sunday marked Lawrence's return to the lineup after missing two games due to a left shoulder injury.
Lawrence posted on Sunday evening that he was back home and feeling better.
