NFL Referee Carted Off After Non-Contact Injury in London Game
Larry Smith sustained a leg injury in the first quarter of the Texans-Jaguars matchup at Wembley Stadium.
NFL referee Larry Smith was carted off the field during the first quarter of the Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars game in London on Sunday after suffering a non-contact leg injury. The incident occurred at Wembley Stadium.
Video footage showed Smith appearing to slip on the turf and fall, experiencing immediate and severe pain. He attempted to rise but fell back down, surrounded by players. Medics then attended to him on the field. Fellow officials and medical staff were seen providing assistance before Smith was placed on a medical cart. As he was driven off the field, he removed his cap and raised it to the crowd, who applauded.
Smith, who also serves as a middle school principal in Kansas, is in his second season as an NFL official. His duties were absorbed by the remaining six officials on the field, with Shawn Hochuli reportedly taking on most of his responsibilities.
The game continued with a reduced officiating crew. In the second half, the Texans took a 10-point lead over the Jaguars with a touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud to Jaylin Noel. For Jacksonville, running back Bhayshul Tuten scored two touchdowns.