Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard provided an update of sorts on offensive tackle Braden Smith while speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Without detailing why the former Auburn All-American missed the final five games of the Colts’ 2024 season, Ballard said Smith wanted to play again.

“What I will tell you is: He’s doing really well,” Ballard said, “and he wants to play football. We’ll work through the rest of it.”

Smith played all but one of Indianapolis’ 732 offensive snaps in the first 12 games of the 2024 season at right tackle. But he did not play after a 24-6 loss to the Detroit Lions on Nov. 24.

The next week, Smith did not practice, and the Colts’ participation report listed “not injury related – personal matter” as the reason.

After the Colts’ 25-24 victory over the New England Patriots on Dec. 1, Indianapolis placed Smith on reserve/non-football illness without elaboration, and he remained there for the rest of the season.

“Personal issues he’s dealing with,” Ballard said last week. “We’re supporting Braden. Think the world of him. Been a great player for us. We’ll see going forward.”

Smith has one season remaining on a four-year, $70 million contract extension.

The Colts used third-round rookie Matt Goncalves in Smith’s spot in the final five games of the season. Releasing Smith would cut $16.75 million off Indianapolis’ salary-cap obligations for the 2025 season.

The Colts chose Smith in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft after The Associated Press had named him a first-team All-American as an Auburn guard in 2017. Injuries landed Smith at starting right tackle for the fifth game of his rookie season, and he’s been there when able to play in every game since.

Smith is eight starts away from becoming the ninth Auburn alumnus to make 100 regular-season starts in the NFL as an offensive lineman.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.