Jaguars DT DaVon Hamilton Suffers Quad Tear

Hamilton suffered a torn quad yesterday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports. Further testing will take place later today, he adds. It is unlikely at this point the seventh-year veteran will be able to return this season. Of course, losing Hamilton for any period will deal a blow to Jacksonville’s defensive interior.

A starter for much of his tenure with the Jags, Hamilton has remained a key figure in 2026. The 29-year-old’s snap share sits at 42% for the season, and he has continued to operate as important run-stopping presence when on the field. Hamilton has not been impactful against the pass, but that has never been a strong point in his skillset. Nevertheless, his absence could result in a replacement being sought out.

As ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes, Jacksonville had already been seeking out a defensive tackle addition via trade prior to Hamilton’s injury. Indeed, the Jags were among the teams to call about Jeffery Simmons prior to the deal which sent him to Chicago. To no surprise, the Titans preferred to avoid dealing Simmons to another team in the AFC South. Jacksonville will be worth watching with respect to a potential move at the DT spot especially with Hamilton no longer in the picture. The team ranks near the bottom of the NFL in cap space at the moment, so a major addition would be challenging to pull off.

A third-round pick of the Jaguars in 2020, Hamilton inked an extension in 2023. That $11.5MM-per-year pact is set to void in February, so missing the remainder of the season would no doubt have a significant impact on the value of his next deal. A restructure aimed at carving out cap space took place last year, but it remains to be seen if the Jags will explore another extension soon or a re-signing in the spring with Hamilton now facing a lengthy recovery process.