Texans linebacker Azeez Al Shaair is expected to be suspended after suffering a concussion after taking a dangerous hit on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence on Sunday.
The only unknown is how long the suspension will last, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. reported on Monday morning.
Lawrence, 25, was injured when he started sliding in the second quarter and was hit high by Al Shayer, causing the quarterback's head to hit the turf.
Lawrence was helped onto a cart, but was sidelined with a head injury.
This controversial play caused a fight between both teams. Jaguars tight end Evan Engram, formerly of the Giants, later called it a “dirty hit.”
Lawrence provided an update on his condition in a post on X on Sunday night, thanking fans for their prayers and saying, “I'm feeling better now that I'm home.”
Al Shail, 27, posted a message on social media on Monday morning, breaking his silence over the hit.
“My goal is to hit you as hard as I can, and then pray that you can still get up and make the next play. And when the game is over, go home to your family without getting hurt, because it's a personal Because it's not a thing, it's just a competition!'' he posted.
“We're both trying to do the same thing, provide for our families. I didn't really see him skating until it was too late. And it all happens in the blink of an eye. Trevor I sincerely apologize for what happened.”
Mr. Al-Sha'ir also targeted his critics.
“To the rest of the people I've called every name in this book, they're preparing an article to find the villain. [sic]To my racist and Islamophobic fans and people, you don't know my heart or my character, but you don't have to prove it to me,” Al-Sha'ir wrote.
“God knows my intentions and anyone who has ever been my teammate or friend knows my heart. All praise be to Allah.”
