NFL referee ruled out for season after Wembley Stadium slip

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 23:44 · Archive

NFL umpire Larry Smith will miss the rest of the 2026 season after tearing his quadriceps in a non-contact injury during the Jacksonville Jaguars versus Houston Texans game at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. Smith slipped on the wet turf, fell on his back, and fell again when attempting to stand up. Line judge Carl Johnson knelt beside him as trainers responded, and Smith was eventually carted off the field. The officiating crew was reduced to six members for the remainder of the game as other officials split umpire responsibilities.

Heavy rain fell in London before the game, leaving the natural grass field particularly slick. Players complained about the poor conditions during the match. Sideline reporter Molly McGrath noted that Texans wide receiver Nico Collins complained to his coaches that the field was too slippery.

Smith is in the middle of his second NFL season after spending seven years as a referee and one as a centre judge in the Big Ten, according to the New York Post. The New York Post reports that Smith garnered unwanted attention the previous week when his cleat came off during the Chargers-Broncos game. Head referee Shawn Hochuli's crew must now find a replacement umpire for the remainder of the season.

How it is being reported

• NFL referee done for season after nasty slip during London gameReferees aren't immune from the NFL injury bug.New York Post · 20 Oct, 23:31
• NFL referee Larry Smith will miss the rest of the season after bizarre leg injury which saw him carted off the fieldThe NFL announced a season-ending injury for one of their officials after an accident during a game at Wembley Stadium in London last Sunday.Daily Mail Sport · 20 Oct, 22:31

In this story: Larry Smith · Shawn Hochuli · Wembley Stadium · Jacksonville Jaguars · Houston Texans · NFL

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