Jaguars’ DaVon Hamilton Dealing With ‘Non-Football Related Medical Issue With His Back’

The veteran nose tackle was seen on crutches on Saturday.

The Jacksonville Jaguars could be facing a major absence along the defensive line.

After starting defensive lineman DaVon Hamilton was seen on crutches in Detroit on Saturday, the Jaguars announced the fourth-year veteran is dealing with a back injury and there is no timetable on his return to the field. 

"DaVon Hamilton is currently dealing with a non-football related medical issue with his back. At this time we do not have a timetable on his return. Our medical staff plans to keep us informed on his progress and we will provide updates at the appropriate time," the Jaguars said in a release. 

Hamilton has been particularly dominant in training camp, looking like the Jaguars' top interior defensive lineman for much of camp as he moves from nose tackle to defensive end in the Jaguars' 3-4 scheme. The Jaguars also have starting nose tackle Foley Fatukasi dealing with an injury in his own right.

Drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the No. 73 overall pick, Hamilton was the first member of the Jaguars' 2020 class to sign a new deal with the team. Hamilton is the first Jaguars draft pick to sign an extension since Cam Robinson and punter Logan Cooke.

Hamilton has appeared in 46 games for the Jaguars, starting 30. In that span, he has recorded 132 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries, and four pass deflections.

Hamilton had his best season in 2022, starting 14 games and recording 56 tackles, five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks while playing 53% of the snaps.

"Big Ham (DT Davon Hamilton), he’s one of the pieces that doesn’t get a lot of mention that is so important to us. He pushes and controls the middle, and his value inside is just really unique. He’s able to disrupt a lot of things and keep players free, actually," Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell said last season.

“Just what we expected. He’s improving every week. He’s a tough guy in there, and there’s flashes of him pushing the pocket in pass game, and he does a nice job in the run game. He is just continuing to show that he can kind of anchor the center of that defense, particularly in base, and he’s done a nice job.”