During the highly anticipated Thursday Night Football matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Houston Texans, NFL referee Adrian Hill sustained an injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the game.
Incident Overview
In the third quarter, while officiating a Bills punt, Hill injured his left leg. He was positioned in the end zone when he suddenly stopped running and reached for his leg. This non-contact injury raised immediate concern among players and officials alike.
Medical Attention
Medical staff promptly assisted Hill off the field. Although he struggled to put weight on his injured leg, he was seen standing on the sidelines shortly after his exit. Ultimately, Hill required a cart to leave the field.
Replacement and Impact
With Adrian Hill unable to continue, Roy Ellison, the crew’s umpire, stepped in to take over Hill’s responsibilities. This sudden change left the officiating team without an umpire for the remaining duration of the game.
Referee Background
- Adrian Hill has been an NFL official since the 2010 season.
- He was promoted to referee at the start of the 2019 season.
- Roy Ellison has served as an NFL umpire since 2003.
As the NFL continues to monitor player and officiating safety, incidents like this highlight the physical demands involved in officiating high-stakes games.
