Scuffles break out after Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence suffers violent hit

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was carted off the field after taking a violent elbow to the facemask from Houston linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, prompting two sideline-clearing scuffles.

Lawrence was on the ground for several minutes as teammates came to his defense and mobbed Al-Shaair, whose perceived cheap shot could result in a suspension. Lawrence eventually was helped to his feet and loaded into the front seat of a cart to be taken off the field.

Lawrence was not transported to a hospital for tests. He was quickly ruled out with a concussion, though.

Al-Shaair and Jaguars rookie cornerback Jarrian Jones were ejected after the first altercation. As Al-Shaair was leaving the field, fans and veteran guard Brandon Scherff started shouting at him and ignited another melee.

Officials and coaches got the teams under control before play resumed. Mac Jones replaced Lawrence, with the Jaguars trailing 6-0.