NFL referee and school principal Larry Smith has been dealt a major injury blow after being carted off the field in London.

Smith, who is in his second season as an NFL official, was injured during the Jacksonville Jaguars vs Houston Texans on Sunday. The incident occurred on the Jaguars' second possession, when Smith slipped on the grass while attempting to catch the ball as play was about to resume.

Although Smith initially managed to get back to his feet, his legs gave way beneath him. Players, fellow officials and medical staff quickly rushed to his aid before he was carted off the field to warm applause from the Wembley crowd.

Smith has now been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after suffering a non-contact leg injury during Sunday's game in London. According to Football Zebra, either Tab Slaughter or Ian Malepeai could replace Smith, with both officials serving as swing referees.

Smith works full-time as a middle school principal in Kansas City and previously officiated college football in the Big Ten. He has also worked in several spring football leagues and served as the referee for the 2023 USFL Championship Game.

Meanwhile, fans have taken to X to send messages of support to Smith and wish him a speedy recovery. "Wishing Larry Smith a speedy recovery," said one X user. Tough way to end the season. Hope he comes back stronger!

Another fan 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."

After a slow start, the game burst into life as the Texans broke the deadlock with less than six minutes remaining in the first quarter. C.J. Stroud found tight end Foster Moreau in the end zone after connecting with Nico Collins for a 42-yard gain earlier in the drive. Houston's defense then intercepted a pass in the red zone late in the opening quarter, helping the visitors seize control.

Stroud finished with 24 completions from 34 attempts for 312 yards and three touchdowns as the Texans edged their AFC South rivals 34-31.

Moreau proved a reliable target in the red zone, hauling in two touchdown passes from Stroud in the first half, with the second coming just before the break. Stroud also showcased his deep-ball accuracy, connecting with Collins and Jaylin Noel on passes of more than 40 yards.

Noel's big play eventually paid dividends in the third quarter, extending Houston's lead to 24-14. However, the Jaguars refused to go quietly, battling back to level the score at 31-31 in the fourth quarter, with Travis Hunter playing a key role in the comeback.

With the game hanging in the balance, Ka'imi Fairbairn proved the difference-maker, drilling a 49-yard field goal to seal a dramatic victory for Houston. The win moves the Texans to 2-4 for the season, giving them a much-needed boost as they look to revive their campaign and repeat last year's turnaround.