Jaguars lose key defender as DaVon Hamilton faces 77.4 rush defense gap

DaVon Hamilton will miss the remainder of the season for the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a torn quadriceps muscle, according to an NFL Network report released on Monday. The defensive tackle is 29 years old and was removed from the field on a cart during the second quarter of Sunday's 42-7 home win against the Indianapolis Colts.

Hamilton was scheduled to undergo additional testing on Monday following the injury. He has started all seven games for the Jaguars this season. The team currently leads the AFC South with a 5-2 record and allows the fewest rushing yards per game in the league at 77.4.

The Jaguars have relied heavily on Hamilton's performance this year. He has recorded 16 tackles, four quarterback hits, half a sack, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in the 2026 season. Over his career, the third-round pick has accumulated 260 tackles, 22 quarterback hits, 18 tackles for loss, six sacks, and four fumble recoveries across 93 games.

Head coach Liam Coen praised Hamilton's character during a postgame interview on Sunday. Coen described Hamilton as a better human and competitor and noted his leadership on the defensive line. Coen observed Hamilton smiling and reassuring the coach while lying on the field after the injury. Coen said Hamilton trusts God, himself, and life, describing him as a tough individual to see in that moment.

Hamilton is in the final year of a three-year contract extension worth 34.5 million dollars. The Jaguars will proceed with their remaining schedule without him. The team's defensive line will need to adjust their alignment and coverage strategies to maintain their rushing defense standards.