Braden

Smith

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.

Smith was banged up in 2023 but has been healthy for all three games to start this season. He is a monster in the run game and can more than hold his own in pass-protection. Pro Football Focus has him with their No. 14 offensive grade among all tackles through three weeks. Losing Smith would be a big blow to a Colts rushing attack that got things going against the Bears last week.

Smith miss three regular season games because of a nagging left knee injury. The veteran tackle was solid in the 10 games he played in, however, allowing only 14 pressures and no sacks while earning a PFF blocking grade of 83.3. According to Colts GM Chris Ballard, Smith’s surgery was a success and he’s “in good shape.”

The Colts play on Saturday and Smith has yet to practice this week, all but guaranteeing he will not suit up versus the Steelers. Rookie tackle Blake Freeland will take his spot on the right side of the line once again.

Smith did not practice this week, so his absence isn’t a surprise. He previously missed time with a hip injury. While he was out, rookie tackle Blake Freeland took his spot in the lineup. We expect Freeland to draw the start at right tackle once again.

Smith played three snaps in Week 13 before suffering the knee injury. He was unable to return. A DNP on Wednesday makes him a long-shot to suit up this week. Backup tackle Blake Freeland, who previously took over for Smith while he was dealing with a hip injury, will likely draw the start this week.