Texans Player Suspended After Vicious Tackle on Jaguars QB

(DailyVantage.com) – Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has been suspended for three games by the NFL following a violent hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence during Sunday’s game. The hit, which targeted Lawrence’s head and neck area as he slid to avoid contact, resulted in a concussion for the quarterback.

The incident occurred during the second quarter when Lawrence attempted to protect himself by sliding. Al-Shaair struck him high, with the impact causing Lawrence to show immediate signs of a traumatic brain injury, including involuntary clenching of his fists. Lawrence was carted off the field and is currently undergoing concussion protocols.

Jon Runyan, the NFL Vice President of Football Operations, described the hit as “unacceptable,” noting that Al-Shaair had ample time and space to avoid contact. Runyan also cited Al-Shaair’s behavior after the play, which included escalating a brawl and removing his helmet, as additional factors in the suspension.

In response, Al-Shaair issued an apology to Lawrence, stating that he did not realize the quarterback was sliding until it was too late. However, he also addressed online backlash, claiming he had been the target of racist and Islamophobic abuse since the incident. This marks Al-Shaair’s third disciplinary issue this season. Earlier, he was fined $11,250 for a late hit on a Tennessee Titans player and $11,817 for punching a Chicago Bears player.

Runyan emphasized the NFL’s strong stance on player safety, stating, “A player’s safety should never be compromised, especially in clear-cut situations like this. This suspension reflects the league’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the game and protecting all players on the field.”

Al-Shaair’s suspension has also sparked broader discussions about the NFL’s enforcement of player safety protocols and its disciplinary consistency. As the Texans prepare for their next three games without a key defensive player, the incident underscores the league’s ongoing efforts to balance aggressive play with maintaining the safety of its athletes.