Texans' Braden Smith Carted Off With Foot Injury

Houston Texans right tackle Braden Smith and reserve defensive end Ali Gaye were carted off during separate but closely timed incidents in Wednesday's joint practice with the Panthers, with reports indicating leg-related issues though the exact injuries were not disclosed. A source told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Smith is believed to have a foot injury, while Texans coach DeMeco Ryans offered no immediate update. Smith, who signed a two-year, $25 million deal, has started 105 NFL games, and Gaye, an undrafted free agent in 2023, has nine tackles and one sack in his career. The teams are scheduled to meet again in the preseason finale Friday at Bank of America Stadium. The injuries occurred on two different fields, and the exact impact on Week 1 availability remains to be seen.