Houston Texans' starting right tackle Braden Smith was injured and carted off the field during Wednesday's joint practice with the Carolina Panthers ahead of the final week of the preseason.
It is believed that Smith suffered a foot injury which led to him not being able to put any weight on it, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Smith, 30, signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Texans in free agency as part of an offseason haul that also included guard Wyatt Teller and rookie center Keylan Rutledge. These additions were made to significantly help out an offensive line unit that has struggled in recent years, but now a question mark has emerged on the right side of the line.
A former second-round pick out of Auburn, Smith was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts and was a staple at tackle over the last eight seasons. While he's been a very solid player when healthy, injuries have certainly hampered his career.
Smith hasn't played more than 13 games in any season since he played 16 in 2022, and time will tell how much time he'll miss to begin the season this year.
Read the latest NFL news on site.
