Braden Smith, a veteran right lineman for the Colts, wants to return to the field after missing the last five games of the season due to an unknown personal situation.
Smith, the team’s right-side starter since 2018, is set to count $19.75 million against the salary cap, sparking suspicion that Indianapolis may release the former second-round choice in order to save money.
On Tuesday, Colts general manager Chris Ballard declined to provide any additional information about Smith’s status, although he did state that Smith wishes to return to football.
“What I will tell you is he’s doing really well, and he wants to play football,” Ballard said. “We’ll work through the rest of it.”
Smith is still a solid right tackle when he’s fit, but he missed five games in 2024 due to a personal situation and seven games in 2023 due to hip and knee injuries, and he had to have knee surgery after the season in order to be healthy enough to play again.
Smith’s complete attention is now focused on a personal situation, which he has not divulged.
However, the Colts must balance concerns about Smith’s availability with the presence of 2024 third-round pick Matt Goncalves, who has started eight games for Indianapolis at both left and right tackle.
“(Smith’s) dealing with it,” Ballard said. “We’re supporting Braden, think the world of him. He’s been a great player for us. We’ll see going forward.”
