Texans RT Braden Smith Avoids Major Foot Injury After Being Carted Off Practice

Braden Smith avoided a long-term foot injury after being carted off the field Wednesday, though the veteran tackle faces a multi-week absence.

Houston Texans right tackle Braden Smith avoided a catastrophic foot injury after being transported via cart from the practice field on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Medical evaluations conducted following the incident confirmed that the nine-year veteran suffered a plantar fascia injury rather than a season-ending rupture or fracture. While the diagnosis spared the offensive line a permanent loss, internal sources indicate the lineman faces a multi-week recovery period, jeopardizing his availability for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Buffalo Bills.

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Smith entered the 2024 training camp as a marquee offseason acquisition, having signed a two-year contract valued at $25 million. This agreement carries an average annual salary of $12.5 million, reflecting his status as a projected anchor for the protection unit. Before arriving in Houston as an unrestricted free agent, the tackle spent eight seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, where he amassed 105 career starts. His most recent campaign in Indianapolis included 13 starts, maintaining his reputation as a durable presence on the edge of the formation.

Initial reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the injury during the Wednesday morning session. The Houston medical staff withheld specific details until imaging could rule out structural damage to the Achilles or midfoot. The confirmed plantar fascia issue typically involves inflammation or a partial tear of the thick tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, a condition that necessitates significant rest to prevent a complete rupture.

The timing of this medical setback complicates a high-stakes positional battle at the right tackle spot. Throughout the early stages of camp, Smith competed directly with veteran Trent Brown for the starting role. While Smith initially held the advantage in snap distribution, Brown has integrated more frequently with the first-team offense over the past 14 days. This shift in momentum was visible during Houston’s second preseason exhibition against the Las Vegas Raiders, where Brown earned the starting nod to protect quarterback C.J. Stroud.

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Stroud, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, relies on a stable pocket, making the health of the right side of the line a priority for head coach DeMeco Ryans. Smith’s veteran experience was intended to provide a veteran foil to the younger components of the roster. During his tenure with the Colts, Smith was noted for his consistency in pass protection, a trait the Texans sought to replicate by offering him one of the higher veteran tackle contracts of the recent free agency cycle.

Depth concerns now move to the forefront as the coaching staff adjusts the rotation for the final week of the preseason. With Smith sidelined, the workload for reserve linemen will increase to ensure the blindside and frontside protectors are prepared for the speed of the Buffalo pass rush in September. The Associated Press and local beat reporters noted that Smith was unable to put weight on his foot before the cart arrived, though the subsequent medical findings have provided a more optimistic outlook than the initial optics of the injury suggested.

Rehabilitation for plantar fascia injuries involves a combination of physical therapy and specialized footwear to alleviate pressure on the arch. For a player of Smith’s size, the recovery process is delicate, as premature return to play can lead to chronic setbacks. The Texans' front office, led by Nick Caserio, structured the current roster with veteran contingencies like Brown to mitigate the impact of such training camp injuries. As the team transitions into the final phase of the preseason, the medical staff will monitor Smith’s mobility daily to determine if he can return to individual drills before the roster cut-down deadline.