The Jacksonville Jaguars have decided to shut down quarterback Trevor Lawrence for the remainder of the season after his most recent concussion. With the Jaguars (2-10) out of playoff contention, they placed Lawrence on injured reserve on Wednesday. Although he could technically return for the season finale against Indianapolis, it is expected that he will not play again this season. Mac Jones is set to start in Lawrence's place during the upcoming game against Tennessee (3-9) on Sunday.
Lawrence was taken off the field on a cart after receiving a severe blow to the facemask from Houston's Azeez Al-Shaair, an illegal hit that sparked a massive brawl on the sidelines and another skirmish shortly thereafter. The impact left Lawrence in the fencing position—a typical reaction to a traumatic brain injury where both fists clench—and he remained on the ground for several minutes as chaos unfolded nearby. Lawrence was promptly diagnosed with a concussion.
Al-Shaair, who was suspended for three games due to the hit, has since apologized to Lawrence. "To Trevor, I sincerely apologize for what happened," Al-Shaair wrote on X. "Before the game, we spoke and I told you how great it was to see you back on the field and wished you well. I would never want to see any player injured because of a hit I made, especially one that was deemed 'late' or 'unnecessary.'"
This marks another injury for Lawrence, who missed a game in 2023 due to a sprained right shoulder. He also faced significant practice time losses due to a sprained left knee in October, a sprained right ankle in early December, and a concussion just two weeks later.
Lawrence threw for 2,045 yards in 10 games this season, with 11 touchdown passes and seven interceptions. The Jaguars have also signed John Wolford to their practice squad to provide a third quarterback option. In addition, Jacksonville has claimed receiver Josh Reynolds off waivers from Denver to fill Lawrence's roster spot. The 29-year-old Reynolds has recorded 12 catches for 183 yards and a touchdown this season.
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