The NFL will have to navigate the remainder of the 2026 season without one of its most experienced officials. Larry Smith, a referee in his second NFL season, suffered a torn quadriceps muscle during the Texans-Jaguars game in London, according to multiple officiating sources. The injury, reported by Ben Austro of Football Zebras, occurred when Smith slipped on the wet turf and immediately went down, unable to put weight on his right leg.
Smith was down on the field for several minutes before being carted off, and he did not return to the game. The league's officiating department declined to comment, but sources confirmed the severity of the injury, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
A Veteran Official with Deep Roots
Despite being relatively new to the NFL, Smith brings a wealth of experience to the field. Before joining the league, he spent nearly a decade as a referee and center judge in the Big Ten Conference, and he also worked in the Mid-American Conference. His resume includes multiple spring league stints, and he was the referee for the 2023 USFL Championship game.
His absence will be felt across the league, but the NFL is prepared to fill the void. Football Zebras suggests that either Tab Slaughter or Ian Malepeai, both swing officials, could step in as replacements.
Fan Support and Well Wishes
News of Smith's injury sparked an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues on social media. One user wrote, "Hate to see this. Larry Smith is an excellent official. Former Big Ten Referee, and now Umpire in NFL. Looked like he slipped and his knee may have buckled. London field looks a little slick from rain. Wishing Larry well and hoping for a speedy recovery."
Another lamented, "The one guy on the field nobody is trying to tackle, and the London turf still took him out for the season." A third added, "Wishing Larry Smith a speedy recovery. Tough way to end the season. Hope he comes back stronger!"
Smith's injury adds to a season already marked by heated exchanges between players and officials, but the focus now is on his recovery. The NFL community is rallying behind him, and we wish him all the best as he begins his rehabilitation.
In the meantime, the league will rely on its depth of officiating talent to ensure games continue to be called fairly. The situation echoes the challenges faced by other sports when key officials go down, as seen in recent incidents involving referees in other leagues.
Smith's injury is a reminder of the physical demands placed on officials, who often go unnoticed until they're missing. As the season progresses, his absence will be a talking point, but his legacy as a dedicated official remains intact.
