NFL Umpire Larry Smith Carted Off Field With Leg Injury During Jaguars-Texans Game in London
A slippery Wembley Stadium turf contributed to a non-contact injury for the official.
NFL umpire Larry Smith was carted off the field with an apparent leg injury during the first quarter of the Jaguars-Texans game at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday. The injury occurred on a non-contact play, with Smith slipping on the wet grass between plays.
Trainers from both teams attended to Smith, who was unable to put weight on his left leg as he was helped onto a cart. Referee Shawn Hochuli was expected to assume additional responsibilities with the officiating crew reduced to six members.
Smith, who is in his second year as an NFL official, also serves as principal of a middle school in Kansas City, Kansas. He previously officiated college football in the Big Ten Conference.
At halftime, the Houston Texans led the Jacksonville Jaguars 17-14, with Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud throwing two touchdown passes to tight end Foster Moreau.
The Jaguars also played in London the previous week, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Texans and Jaguars are part of the NFL's International Series, which brings regular-season games to London.