Trevor Lawrence’s return to the lineup was cut short after a hit from Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.
The Jacksonville quarterback was carted off the field and later ruled out of the game with a concussion.
Al-Shaair was ejected, and whether he will face additional discipline remains to be seen.
In the meantime, the Jaguars must once again proceed without their starting quarterback.
Lawrence, who had only missed one game due to injury before this season, suffered an AC joint sprain in his non-throwing shoulder during Week 9.
That injury sidelined him through Jacksonville’s bye week. Although he returned to action for today’s game, the head injury late in what has been a 2–9 season could mark the end of his 2024 campaign.
Before today’s game, Lawrence acknowledged that shoulder surgery was a possibility, though he hoped to avoid it as it would sideline him for the rest of the season.
With Jacksonville out of playoff contention, the team may take a cautious approach and keep Lawrence out for the remainder of the year. At the very least, further missed time seems inevitable.
This offseason, Lawrence signed a five-year, $275 million contract extension, solidifying Jacksonville’s long-term commitment to him.
Given the severity of his injuries, a stint on injured reserve could be explored, which would sideline him for at least four games and potentially keep him out until 2025.
In Lawrence’s absence, the Jaguars will once again turn to backup Mac Jones.
The former Patriots first-round pick struggled in his two previous starts this season but will have another chance to prove himself. A strong performance could boost Jones’ value as he approaches free agency.
