{
  "id": 3847209,
  "title": "Texans Avoid Worst-Case Scenario After $20 Million Star’s Injury Scare",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/texans-avoid-worst-case-scenario-after-20-million-stars-injury-scare",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-28T00:06:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/texans-avoid-worst-case-scenario-after-20-million-stars-injury-scare-12377430"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Houston Texans right tackle Braden Smith suffered an injury scare on Wednesday, but NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the injury is not as severe as initially feared. Smith, who signed a $25 million contract with the Texans this offseason, was carted off the practice field in what appeared to be a serious incident. However, it has been revealed that Smith suffered a plantar fascia injury in his foot, which could keep him out of action for a few weeks. Regardless, the injury is not anticipated to be a long-term problem for the 30-year-old player. Smith had spent eight seasons with the Indianapolis Colts before joining the Texans, where he started in 105 games over that period. He is currently vying for the starting right tackle position, but has faced stiff competition from Trent Brown, who has impressed in practices and started in the team's second preseason game. Smith's setback could affect his chances of securing the starting role this season. The Texans have one more preseason game left, against the Carolina Panthers on Friday, before they begin the regular season against the Buffalo Bills on September 13.",
  "summary": "Houston Texans right tackle Braden Smith avoided a major injury on Wednesday and is not expected to miss much time to recover.",
  "key_points": [
    "Braden Smith suffered plantar fascia injury, not severe as feared",
    "Smith signed $25M contract with Texans this offseason",
    "Injury could sideline Smith for few weeks, affect starting role"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The injury to Braden Smith, though potentially keeping him out several weeks, is not expected to be a long-term issue, thereby giving him a chance to still compete for the starting right tackle position.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}