The Houston Texans already entered training camp with questions about the offensive line. The unit saw a starter carted off the practice field during Wednesday's practice, a bad sign for quarterback C.J. Stroud before an important contract year for the 2023 No. 2 pick.
Per Aaron Wilson of KPRC, right tackle Braden Smith went down to the ground and was carted off the practice field simultaneously with defensive end Ali Gaye. Both Gaye and Smith had trouble putting weight on their legs. More news: Kirk Herbstreit Calls Out Notre Dame for ‘Embarrassing’ Schedule More news: Three Teams That Can Win the Big 12 "Both are leg injuries for Texans Braden Smith, Ali Gaye as they share a cart inside to be examined further," Wilson posted on X.
"Both couldn't put weight on leg." Smith, a second-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2018, signed a two-year, $25 million deal with the Texans in March. He was expected to be an upgrade from Trent Brown at right tackle. Mike Clay of ESPN ranked the Texans as having the worst offensive line in the league during the preseason.
It remains to be seen how serious the injury to Smith is, but he'd be a critical loss on an already questionable offensive line. The offensive line has been a concern for Houston in recent seasons, and a big part of the reason why Stroud has regressed in the last two years following a promising rookie campaign in 2023. Stroud took 52 sacks in 2024.
In 2025, he missed three games due to a concussion, and took 23 sacks during the entire campaign. Stroud, 24, has an important season coming up after the Texans picked up his fifth-year option this spring. Houston has not yet signed the former Ohio State standout to a new deal.
He'll need to prove it on the field before negotiating for a new contract in the offseason, and a poor offensive line wouldn't help his case. For more on the Texans and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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