Houston Texans right tackle Braden Smith avoids long-term foot injury

Houston Texans right tackle Braden Smith has avoided a long-term injury after being carted off the practice field on Wednesday. While the team did not initially disclose the specifics of the setback, reports indicate the nine-year veteran is dealing with a plantar fascia injury.

Although the injury is not considered season-ending or long-term, sources suggest that Smith could be sidelined for a few weeks as he recovers. The news comes as a relief for the Texans, who signed the experienced lineman to a two-year, $25 million contract as an unrestricted free agent during the offseason.

Trent Brown has recently taken over first-team repetitions in practice, signaling a shift in the competition for the starting spot. Brown further solidified his position by starting in the Texans' second preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, lining up alongside quarterback C.J. Stroud and the rest of the projected starting offensive line.

The injury complicates the ongoing battle for the right tackle position, as Smith now faces a period of recovery while Brown continues to work with the first-team unit. Smith appeared in 13 games for the Colts last season before making the move to Houston. The team has yet to provide a definitive timeline for his return to full participation.