Lawrence was carted off the field after taking a violent blow to the facemask from Houston linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, a hit that prompted a sideline-clearing brawl and a secondary scuffle. Back in the starting lineup after missing two games with a sprained left shoulder, Lawrence scrambled on a second-and-7 play in the second quarter.
He initiated a slide before Al-Shaair raised his forearm and unleashed on the defenceless quarterback. He was on the ground for several minutes as teammates came to his defence and mobbed Al-Shaair, whose latest perceived cheap shot could result in a suspension.
I just knew it was wrong. It was just a dirty play, and you stick up for your guys. Lawrence eventually was helped to his feet and loaded into the front seat of a cart to be taken off the field. He was not transported to a hospital for tests. He was quickly ruled out with a concussion, though. Want to be smart in everything we do and not hurt the team, get a penalty there.
Just have to be smarter when a quarterback is going down. Jaguars rookie cornerback Jarrian Jones also was ejected for throwing a punch in the melee. As Al-Shaair was leaving the field, fans started screaming at him. Jaguars veteran guard Brandon Scherff joined in, prompting another altercation with Al-Shaair. Texans teammate Will Anderson grabbed Al-Shaair and was escorting him off the field when a fan threw a water bottle and hit Anderson in the helmet.
The fan was later ejected. Officials and coaches got the teams under control before play resumed. Al-Shaair was not in the locker room when it opened to reporters after the game. Stroud said.
