WESTFIELD, Ind. – Braden Smith is taking it all day-by-day.
The offensive tackle, who missed seven games in the 2023 season due to injuries and underwent knee surgery in the offseason, was eased back into training camp and didn't participate in full-team work until the fourth day of practice. But Smith put in the work throughout the offseason to get back to full health, so he knew it was only a matter of time before he would be back out on the field fully participating.
"When you're standing on the sidelines it's not so fun," Smith said Friday. "You just want to be part of that group and that camaraderie, just helping your team do all that they can. It's just a blessing to be able to be back out there."
Smith has been a consistent presence on the Colts' offensive line for the last six seasons, starting 80 games. He knows better than almost anyone what it's like to help his team succeed, and as one of the veterans of the offensive line Smith has set an example for those around him both in his game and how he approaches life.
"Braden's a warrior," left guard Quenton Nelson said. "When he was out there, he was our best offensive lineman. He's done a great job and he works his tail off to be at his best for the team and for the guys."
At 6-foot-6 and 312 pounds, Smith is a force to be reckoned with on the football field and plays a crucial role in the productivity of the Colts' offense whenever he's on the field. In 2023, Smith only allowed 14 pressures and didn't give up a single sack. He was ranked as the No. 5 offensive tackle in the NFL by Pro Football Focus, despite only playing 575 snaps in 10 games. Smith also finished with the best offensive grades on the team, per PFF, with an overall grade of 83.3 and a 90.1 run blocking grade. His blocking grade was second-best among all NFL tackles.
It's a testament to Smith's talent that he was one of the Colts' most impactful and productive players – and one of the top tackles in the league – in 2023 despite the nagging injuries he played through. Because when Smith was on the field, he was still limited – even if it was more mental than anything else.
"Even when you're not trying to think about it, there's still subconsciously...you're not playing completely free the way you want to," Smith said about playing through injury.
But now, following his successful offseason surgery, Smith says he is fully functional and focused just getting used to playing football again. He's playing without a nagging injury – or even just the thought of one – and has more peace of mind because of it.
Smith approaches each day with the belief that if you look too much at the past, whether that's success or failure, you're not going to grow or get better. And that's the opposite of what Smith wants.
"Each day (I'm) just getting a little bit better, a little bit smoother, getting a feel for things again," Smith said. "That's all you can really ask for."
With Smith back and fully functional, and improving every day, the Colts have yet another player that will only serve to elevate their offense. Anthony Richardson will know he has someone in front of him to protect him if he needs to drop back and take more time with a pass, and Jonathan Taylor can operate with the faith that he will have room to run thanks to the offensive line's blocking abilities.
The entire team knows they have someone who will do anything for them.
"His care factor is super high for this team," Nelson said. "He shows that through his play."
