Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is expected to be suspended for his dangerous hit on Trevor Lawrence on Sunday that left the Jaguars quarterback with a concussion.
The only thing unclear is how long the suspension will be, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday morning.
Lawrence, 25, suffered the injury in the second quarter as Al-Shaair struck him high as he began to slide, causing the quarterback’s head to slam into the turf.
Lawrence was helped onto a cart and ruled out with a head injury.
The controversial play sparked a fight between the two teams. Jaguars tight end Evan Engram, a former Giant, later called it a “dirty hit.”
Lawrence provided an update on his condition Sunday night in an X post, saying he was “home and feeling better” while thanking fans for their prayers.
Al-Shaair, 27, broke his silence on the hit with a message on social media Monday morning.
“My goal is to hit you as hard as I can then I pray you’re still able to get up and play the next play. And when the game is over go home to your family unharmed because it’s not personal it’s just competition!” he posted.
“We both are trying to do the same thing which is provide for our families! I genuinely didn’t see him sliding until it was too late. And it all happens in the blink of an eye. To Trevor I genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening.”
Al-Shaair also took aim at those criticizing him.
“To the rest of the people who I’ve been called every single name in the book from reporters with their hands ready for a story to find their villan [sic], to racist and Islamophobic fans and people, you don’t know my heart nor my character which I don’t need to prove to any of you,” Al-Shaair wrote.
“God knows my intentions and anyone who has ever been a teammate or friend of mine knows my heart. All praise to Allah.”