Houston Texans right tackle Braden Smith was carted off the practice field on Wednesday. On Thursday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Smith avoided a major injury and is not expected to miss much time to recover. Smith reportedly suffered an injury to his plantar fascia in his foot.
Smith could miss a few weeks of the season to recover but the injury is not expected to be a long-term issue. After spending eight seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, Smith signed a two-year, $25 million contract with the Texans in free agency this offseason. He started in 105 games for the Colts across those eight seasons and is now battling for the starting right tackle spot on the Texans.
Smith was initially the favorite to secure the starting role but Trent Brown has recently built a strong case for himself to be the starter. Brown has worked with the starting unit in practices over the last two weeks and started in the team's second preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Smith's injury is certainly a setback in the 30-year-old's chase for a starting spot this season.
The Texans have one more preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on Friday before opening the regular season against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 13.
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