Wednesday’s joint practice for the Houston Texans against the Panthers just took a brutal turn. Offensive tackle Braden Smith and defensive lineman Ali Gaye both had to be carted off the field after getting injured. This is exactly what you don’t want to see, especially when it’s still early in the regular season, and guys are trying to cement their roles.
Smith’s Starting Spot Battle Just Got Tougher
Talk about a gut punch for the Texans. Braden Smith, who they just signed as a free agent this offseason, went down hard. This guy was listed as a possible starter at right tackle, battling it out with Trent Brown for that crucial spot on the O-line. We’re talking about a veteran presence here, too, not some unproven rookie. Smith started 105 games for the Colts over the last eight seasons, so he knows what’s up. Losing a potential anchor like that, especially with him competing for a starting job, is a massive blow so early in the season. You just don’t want to see that kind of thing, not when you’re trying to build a consistent offensive front.
Defensive Line Depth Takes a Hit with Gaye
And if Smith’s injury wasn’t bad enough, defensive lineman Ali Gaye was carted off right after him. The injuries happened in such close succession that both players ended up sharing the same cart to get off the field. Gaye was a waiver claim from the Titans back in May, and he’s been vying for a reserve role on the Texans’ defensive front. Even for a depth piece, losing guys to injury at this point hurts. Every player counts when you’re trying to establish that defensive identity and keep the rotation fresh. It’s never good when you’re calling for multiple carts in a single practice.
It’s only August 26, 2026, and the Texans are already dealing with serious injury scares before things truly ramp up. You just hope both Braden Smith and Ali Gaye are okay and that these aren’t long term issues. For a team trying to find its footing and make some noise, these kinds of hits to the depth chart, especially for guys competing for starting or key reserve spots, are tough. It’s a long season, and they’ll need everyone healthy to make a run at anything.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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