Texans Activate RT Braden Smith From IR

Houston gave Smith a two-year, $20MM contract in free agency, but the former Colt missed the Texans’ first five games after suffering a partially torn plantar fascia in late August. It continued a long run of health problems for Smith, a ninth-year man whose lone full season came back in 2019. He has sat out 30 games since 2020, including four last season. Smith ended his final year in Indianapolis on IR with a neck injury that required offseason surgery.

While injuries have been a frequent issue for Smith, the 30-year-old has been a capable starter when available. The Colts were so impressed with Smith during his first couple of seasons that they awarded him a four-year, $72.4MM extension in July 2021. The pact temporarily made Smith the NFL’s highest-paid right tackle, and he continued as a full-time starter for the rest of Colts stint.

Since going in the second round of the 2018 draft, the former Auburn Tiger has started in 105 of 107 appearances. Smith vied for the Texans’ No. 1 right tackle job in the summer, but they turned to Trent Brown in his absence. While the 6-foot-8, 380-pound Brown has played all 334 of Houston’s offensive snaps this year, Pro Football Focus ranks his play a lackluster 56th out of 72 qualifying tackles. Brown has taken six penalties and given up a pair of sacks, per PFF, though it is unclear if he is at risk of a demotion. At the very least, Smith will give the Texans battle-tested depth behind Brown.