Mystery surrounding Colts starter's absence doesn't sound like it's going to get figured out this season
The Indianapolis Colts had multiple injuries to monitor during the team's bye week. But one situation many weren't taking into account was starting right tackle Braden Smith, who missed the team's Week 13 win against the New England Patriots due to a personal matter. Smith's status with the team has not changed even after the bye, […]
The Indianapolis Colts had multiple injuries to monitor during the team's bye week.
But one situation many weren't taking into account was starting right tackle Braden Smith, who missed the team's Week 13 win against the New England Patriots due to a personal matter. Smith's status with the team has not changed even after the bye, and it might be even more serious than we realized.
Colts RT Braden Smith out for Week 15 and maybe the rest of the season
Having to play without Braden Smith isn't uncommon territory for the Colts. Since drafting him in 2018, he has had to miss multiple games due to different injuries. This year, though, Smith has fought through injuries and appeared in all but one game this season, that being the Patriots game he missed for a personal matter.
At first glance, while it was surprising to see him miss a game for a non-injury issue, there didn't seem to be a reason to worry about his availability going forward. However, that changed when head coach Shane Steichen announced that Smith would most likely miss the team's upcoming matchup with the Denver Broncos due to that same personal matter. And with this game being essentially a playoff game for the Colts, I think it's safe to assume this personal matter is a serious concern, especially with his status for the rest of the season being in doubt, according to Steichen.