Braden

Smith

Smith would seem to push Trent Brown into a swing tackle role next year while giving the Texans a three-deep at tackle of Smith, Aireontae Ersery, and Brown. Smith, who turns 30 later in March, is coming off the two worst seasons of his career in Indianapolis but still managed a respectable 65.3 PFF blocking grade in 2025. It’s not an exciting move, but could lead to competency on the much-beleaguered Texans offensive line.

The Colts will be without their starting right tackle for Sunday’s road game against a stout Seahawks defense. Backup Jalen Travis is expected to draw the start in his place and will be tasked with keeping one of either Riley Leonard or Philip Rivers upright. In addition to Smith, the Colts also ruled out WR Anthony Gould (ankle) and CB Sauce Gardner (calf).

The last thing the Colts need with Riley Leonard under center against the Seahawks is a new lineman at right tackle. So, naturally, that appears to be on the table this week. Rookie fourth-rounder Jalen Travis took over for Smith and would figure to be Smith’s replacement in Week 15 if he can’t clear concussion protocol.

“I was physically present, but I was nowhere to be found,” Smith told the Indianapolis Star. “I did not care about playing football. I didn’t care about hanging out with my family, with my wife, with my newborn son.” Religious scrupulosity is a form of OCD. Smith checked into a mental health facility in Colorado and also used the drug Ibogaine in Mexico, which seems to have finally shifted him to a better state of mind. Smith took a paycut to stay with the Colts this offseason after missing the final five games of the season and figures to be their starting right tackle this year.

Smith was a likely cap casualty heading into the offseason, so this was the only way he was going to stay in Indy. Before the team reworked his deal, they could have saved $16.8 million in cap space by cutting him. Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Smith is still scheduled to become a free agent after the 2025 season. Smith has been with the Colts since they drafted him in the second round of the 2018 draft. He will likely depart in free agency, meaning 2025 should be his last season in Indy.

Smith missed several games last season with an undisclosed personal matter. Releasing the soon-to-be 29-year-old would save the Colts $16.75 million against the salary cap. Matt Goncalves played 566 snaps last year and may be inheriting the right tackle role in Indianapolis. Smith would make an interesting veteran addition to a tackle-needy team if his personal matters are resolved.

Smith will miss another game for personal reasons. Rookie swing tackle Matt Goncalves has made starts at both left and right tackle this year. He will take Smith’s place in the lineup versus Denver.

Raimann missed two games with the knee issue but is good to go for Week 13. Matt Gonclaves had been starting in his place and could stay in the lineup, only at right tackle. Braden Smith is out for personal reasons this week, leaving an opening for Gonclaves on the right side.

C Ryan Kelly (neck) is inactive. Smith’s presence is at least good news for both Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor. Joining Kelly on the shelf for the Horseshoe are EDGE Genard Avery, QB Sam Ehlinger, OT Blake Freeland, WR Anthony Gould, CB Kenny Moore and EDGE Kwity Paye.

Center Ryan Kelly, who is dealing with a neck injury, is also questionable. Smith was upgraded to a full practice on Thursday after missing Wednesday’s session, putting him in a good spot for Sunday’s game barring any setbacks. Kelly, on the other hand, was added to the report mid-week, which is typically a bad sign. Losing one or multiple starters would not be good for Anthony Richardson, who is in the middle of a two-game slump following his explosive Week 1 performance.