NFL Referee Larry Smith Reportedly Out for Season After Suffering Leg Injury, Slipping on Wet Turf

NFL referee Larry Smith will miss the remainder of the 2026 season after suffering a leg injury while officiating the Houston Texans' 34-31 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, according to Football Zebras' Ben Austro.

Smith's leg issue is believed to be a torn quad, per Austro.

It occurred after he slipped on the wet field at Wembley Stadium while attempting to catch a ball from the sideline in between plays during the first quarter of Sunday's contest.

He stayed on the ground and was evaluated by medical staff before he was eventually carted off the field.

Smith was in the midst of his second season as an NFL referee and has a full-time job as a middle school principal in Kansas City.

He previously officiated at the college level in the Big Ten and MAC. Smith also has experience working in the USFL as a referee.