Trevor Lawrence unphased by Azeez Al-Shaiir reunion, ready for Jaguars to face Texans

Despite what he’ll say, this week’s game against the Houston Texans will be meaningful for Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

Lawrence was knocked out of the contest against the Texans last year after a dirty hit by linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. Lawrence was struck by Al-Shaair while attempting to slide after a scramble.

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Lawrence was placed into a multi-week concussion protocol before he was eventually shut down for season-ending shoulder surgery.

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The hit was followed by a brawl that resulted in the ejection of cornerback Jarrian Jones in addition to Al-Shaair. The Texans went on to win the game and the AFC South crown for the second consecutive season.

Lawrence said he never heard directly from Al-Shaair after the hit, adding he won’t look in the rearview mirror.

“I’m way past that at this point in my life, so it’s not something I’ve thought about since then,” Lawrence said. “Everybody’s different, it’s football, it’s a violent game and obviously it’s unfortunate when things like that happen and I don’t want to get into all that again. We’re past that.”

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The Texans are 0-2 this season with losses to the Los Angeles Rams (14-9) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (20-19). The Jaguars are 1-1 after a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals (31-27) and a season-opening victory against the Carolina Panthers (26-10).

This game could go a long way for division standings at the end of the season.

“If we’re just being honest, [we] haven’t had a ton of success against [them],” Lawrence said. “So, it’s always a game that I’m wanting to get after them and a game we want to win, especially because it’s a division opponent and it’s a big one for us.”

Trevor Lawrence defends Brian Thomas Jr. after rough outing against the Bengals

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) talks with wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) as they walk off the field with wide receiver Travis Hunter (12), right, after an NFL training camp session at the Miller Electric Center, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Lawrence stood up for wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. after his poor performance against the Bengals on Sunday. Thomas was targeted 12 times and caught four passes for 49 yards in the loss.

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But he had two crucial missed plays that changed the game for the Jaguars. He short-armed a pass from Lawrence that resulted in the second interception of the game. Then at the end of the game, Thomas dropped a pass from Lawrence on a crucial fourth down.

It was a play that could’ve ended the game for the Jaguars, allowing them to score a touchdown to boost their lead as time dwindled.

“Obviously, we would’ve loved to start off hot these first two games and have our connection be ripping and me finding him everywhere and him having a great year and all those things,” Lawrence said. “But we’re in a week two, everybody, so I think we can all just take a deep breath, give B.T. a little space.”

Lawrence and Thomas struggled to consistently connect throughout training camp, something the pair downplayed. But with two regular season games in the books Thomas has logged five catches on 19 targets for 60 yards and a rushing touchdown.

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It’s not exactly the start the second-year receiver was hoping for. But it’s still time, in Lawrence’s opinion, for the pair to get on the right track.

“I’m not worried about him at all,” Lawrence continued. “Just something we’ve got to continue to work at and we’re going to have a good plan for him each week to be involved. He’s too good of a player to not be involved and make those plays down the field that we all know he can make.”

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Trevor Lawrence ‘way past’ Al-Shaiir hit, focused on Jaguars vs. Texans