Texans tackle Braden Smith sidelined by foot injury

Houston offensive tackle Braden Smith will be out for a period after suffering a plantar fascia injury during Wednesday's practice. The team received good news that the injury is not season-ending, but he will need time to recover.

The Houston Texans’ offensive line faces another test as starting tackle Braden Smith deals with a plantar fascia injury sustained in Wednesday’s practice. While the team confirmed the issue is not season-ending, recovery timelines for such foot ailments often stretch several weeks, potentially affecting the unit’s stability during the early season. Smith’s absence adds to the usual attrition along the trenches, where depth and quick adjustments become critical. The Texans, who have invested heavily in protecting their quarterback, will likely rely on backup linemen to fill the gap, though the exact duration of Smith’s recovery remains undisclosed.