The Indianapolis Colts announced that right tackle Braden Smith will be available and play in Week 11 against the New York Jets.
On Friday’s final injury report, Smith did not have a designation, however, he was then listed as questionable on Saturday for a personal matter. On Sunday morning, the Colts removed that designation.
The Colts offensive line is already a bit short-handed entering this game. Prior to the Buffalo game, center Ryan Kelly was placed on injured reserve. This past Friday, left tackle Bernhard Raimann was ruled out for this game as he works through a knee injury that he sustained versus the Bills.
This means that, even with Smith available, the Colts will be relying on three rookies along the offensive line with Matt Goncalves at left tackle, Tanor Bortolini at center, and Dalton Tucker at right guard for Will Fries.
Awaiting the Colts’ offensive line is Jets’ defensive line that features Will McDonald and Quinnen Williams, both of whom rank among the best at their positions in generating presssures this season, along with Haasan Reddick opposite of McDonald.
According to Pro Football Reference, the Jets enter Week 11 ranked ninth in pressure rate and are allowing a modest 4.3 yards per rush.
On the season, Smith ranks 52nd out of 82 tackles in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric and is 13th in run-blocking grade.
