Texans activate OT Braden Smith from IR

Published October 14, 2026 11:31 AM Offensive tackle Braden Smith is back on the active roster in Houston. The Texans announced on Wednesday that they have activated Smith from injured reserve. Smith went on the list ahead of Week 1 due to a foot injury and he returned to practice last week. Smith signed a two-year deal with the Texans this offseason. The 2018 second-round pick spent his first eight seasons with the Colts and started 105 of the 107 games he played while in Indianapolis. The Texans activated defensive tackle Kayden McDonald and safety M.J. Stewart in Week 5. Smith’s activation leaves wide receiver Tank Dell as the only player in the return to play process. Houston also announced that they have signed quarterback Mark Gronowski and wide receiver Bryce Oliver to the practice squad. Both players were waived off of the active roster last week.