Stampede Blue
Head coach Shane Steichen revealed that Smith’s personal matter could keep him out longer than expected.
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen revealed on Wednesday that right tackle Braden Smith will be out for the team’s Week 15 matchup versus the Denver Broncos as he deals with a personal matter.
Coach Steichen declined to share details on the situation as he wants to respect Braden Smith’s privacy during trying times but would go on to admit that he doesn’t know if Smith will return at all this season, saying “I don’t know yet” when asked about the situation.
Braden Smith first began dealing with said personal matter back in November as the Colts were preparing for Anthony Richardson’s first game back from his benching against the New York Jets. Smith popped up on the injury report with the aforementioned personal matter a day ahead of the game and has continued to pop up on subsequent injury reports each week since.
Despite popping up on the injury report every week since Week 11, Smith would play in two of Indy’s three games during that stretch before ultimately going inactive for the Colts Week 13 matchup versus the Patriots.
Braden Smith has had an up-and-down year when it comes to his on-the-field play. However, it’s impressive that he’s remained a serviceable option through all his behind-the-scenes hardships. According to Pro Football Focus, Braden Smith has been the 36th-best tackle (66.2) among starters this season.
As for what the future holds, rookie OL Matt Goncalves has provided promising spot play in both Raimann and Smith’s absence(s) at the tackle spots and could be the next starter as early as next season. Chris Ballard could very well choose to run it back with the same OL next year, but the Colts could save $16.7M in cap space if they were to release Smith ahead of next season.
