Indianapolis, IN

Colts RT Braden Smith gave ‘everything my body could,’ didn’t surrender a sack all year.

Published

4 months ago

January 24, 2024

Colts RT Braden Smith gave ‘everything my body could,’ didn’t surrender a sack all year.

INDIANAPOLIS — Braden Smith tried to push through the pain, finish out the season and provide the final shove that got the Colts into the postseason.

Ultimately, his left knee would not let him.

Forty-five snaps into the season finale against the Texans, the knee got to the point of no return again, forcing Smith to watch from the sideline as the Colts’ last chance at an improbable playoff berth came up short.

“I gave everything my body could give,” Smith said. “I’ll always wish I could have done more.”

Smith will spend his offseason trying to make sure he does everything possible to return next season with the injury problems of 2023 in the rearview mirror.

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The big right tackle has never been through a season like 2023, even though he missed five games with a foot injury in 2021. When Smith got hurt two years ago, he rehabilitated that injury, rejoined the lineup and stayed; this time, Smith missed four games due to hip and wrist injuries, then injured the knee two games later, forcing him back to the bench.

And while Smith declined to offer any details on his injury or his plan for the offseason, Colts general manager Chris Ballard said at the end of the season it was “50-50” on whether Smith would need offseason surgery to repair the knee.

“I’m going to go into this offseason and get my body healthy, do everything I can,” Smith said. “My hope is next year I come back full strength, as healthy as I can be.”

A healthy Smith remains one of the best right tackles in the NFL.

Smith did not give up a sack in 308 pass-blocking snaps, according to Sports Info Solutions, and the Colts averaged 4.63 yards per carry and 138 rushing yards per game in the nine games Smith played extensive snaps — he played just three against Tennessee before injuring his knee — and just 3.87 and 102.1 in the other eight games.

“Braden is important to our team,” Ballard said. “When he doesn’t play, it hurts us.”

Rookie swing tackle Blake Freeland played almost every snap when Smith was injured this season.

From a big-picture standpoint, the Colts did a good job of minimizing the impact of the drop-off from one player to another, but Freeland gave up six sacks in 394 snaps, in addition to struggling at times in the running game.

Smith, who was incredibly strong even during his college career at Auburn, has always been a mauler with plenty of power, so physically imposing that the rest of the Indianapolis offensive line calls him the “Polar Bear.”

Freeland has some work to do in that department.

“He got put in the fire,” Ballard said. “He’s got to get stronger. He knows it.”

The Colts would prefer to have Smith on the field.

Especially against the NFL’s pass rushers, when the difference between Smith and Freeland was easiest to see.

With Smith out against Cleveland, the Browns lined up Myles Garrett across from Freeland in a critical situation with the Colts offense backed up against its own end zone, and Garrett responded with a strip-sack for a Browns touchdown. Two months later, an injured Smith held Raiders superstar Maxx Crosby to zero sacks and just one quarterback hit in a game Indianapolis had to have to stay in the playoff mix.

“To have him out there. … battling against one of the best players in the league, and I would say holding his own, he played really, really good football after a little bit of time off,” offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter said. “It was huge for us, just as an offense, going out and executing, but I think it was huge for his teammates, just knowing that he’s pushing through a ton of difficult stuff, and that goes a long way in the huddle.”

Smith, who will be 28 next season, has two years remaining on the four-year, $72.4 million extension he signed in 2021, and he’ll carry a cap figure of $16.68 million next season, then $19.75 million in 2025.

The numbers are big, to be sure, but Indianapolis currently has a starting quarterback on a rookie deal in Anthony Richardson, and emerging left tackle Bernhard Raimann also has two years left on his rookie contract, leaving the Colts with plenty of cap space.

Most importantly, Smith is still one of the NFL’s best right tackles when he’s healthy, and he believes he’ll be able to return to the Colts at full strength for the start of next season.

“I’ve got a good plan for that,” Smith said. “I feel really confident in it, I’m excited about the future.”

Forced to the sideline by injury, Smith was frustrated, relying on his faith for perspective while he tried to get back in the lineup.

“That’s kind of the beauty of growing as a human being: You’re never done evolving, growing as a person,” Smith said. “I’ve found out a lot more about myself this year, really having to fight through adversity for myself personally. I definitely feel like I did some growing this year. I feel like that will pay dividends going into the future.”

The Colts can already imagine what those dividends might mean for the offense.

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Indianapolis, IN

33 become US citizens in ceremony at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Published

6 hours ago

May 14, 2024

Press Room

33 become US citizens in ceremony at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Thirty-three people from 33 different countries took the Oath of Allegiance and became U.S. citizens on Tuesday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

IMS President Doug Boles spoke to the new Americans. “From the very beginning of the Indianapolis 500 in 1911, it was called the International Sweepstakes because our founders wanted an opportunity through the speedway and through the Indy 500 to celebrate what Indiana and what Hoosiers’ spirit is about, but moreover what the American spirit is about.

The Indianapolis 500 continues to celebrate bringing people together from all over the world.

This story was created from a script aired on WISH-TV.

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Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis Roofing LLC Revolutionizes Roofing Services in Indianapolis

Published

13 hours ago

May 14, 2024

Press Room

Indianapolis Roofing LLC Revolutionizes Roofing Services in Indianapolis

Image: https://www.getnews.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1714731926.jpeg

Indianapolis, IN – Indianapolis Roofing LLC recently mentioned the advantages of quality roofing. The team outlined the significance of a functional roof as the front line of defense against the elements and expressed their desire to educate people on protecting their assets.

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The company’s goal is to provide exceptional roofing solutions that exceed the client’s expectations. Whether it’s a minor roof repair or a complete roof replacement, the contractors approach each project with dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to quality. With a deep understanding of various roofing systems, Indianapolis Roofing LLC stands out among roofing companies in Indianapolis for its ability to handle a wide range of projects, from residential to commercial properties. The company’s team of skilled professionals works diligently to complete each project within the specified timeframe, minimizing disruption to clients’ daily routines.

Indianapolis Roofing LLC believes in clear communication and transparency throughout the entire process. From the initial consultation to the final inspection, the roofing company Indianapolis [https://indianapolisroofing.com/] keep their clients informed and addresses any concerns or questions they may have along the way.

One of the standout features of Indianapolis Roofing LLC is its commitment to using the latest technology to enhance the customer experience. The company offers free hail damage roof inspection Indianapolis [https://indianapolisroofing.com/hail-damage-roofing-indianapolis-in/], utilizing state-of-the-art drone technology, ensuring thorough and accurate assessments of the roof’s damage. Furthermore, Indianapolis Roofing LLC assists clients in navigating the insurance claims process, providing detailed documentation and evidence to substantiate claims and ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

In addition to roofing services, Indianapolis Roofing LLC also specializes in professional gutter installation using top-of-the-line Wilco gutter products and LeaFree gutter guards. These products are designed to effectively manage rainwater runoff, protecting homes’ foundations, siding, and landscapes while minimizing maintenance needs and prolonging the lifespan of gutter systems. Siding installation is another area of expertise for Indianapolis Roofing LLC. By investing in high-quality siding, homeowners can enhance energy efficiency, improve curb appeal, and ensure long-term protection against the elements. With the company’s expertise, clients can rest assured that their homes will remain well-protected and structurally sound for years to come.

Indianapolis Roofing LLC takes pride in adhering to all local building codes and regulations, ensuring that every project meets the highest quality and safety standards. Customer satisfaction is a top priority, and they are committed to delivering superior service, personalized attention, and competitive pricing.

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About Indianapolis Roofing LLC

Indianapolis Roofing LLC offers top-notch roofing services in Indianapolis, including repair, replacement, and hail damage inspection. With expert craftsmanship and high-quality materials, we ensure durability and customer satisfaction.
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Contact Person: Dylan West
Email: Send Email [http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=indianapolis-roofing-llc-revolutionizes-roofing-services-in-indianapolis]
Phone: 3178001308
Address:450 E 96th St. Ste 500
City: Indianapolis
State: IN 46240
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Website: Https://indianapolisroofing.com

This release was published on openPR.

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Indianapolis, IN

Ryan Hunter-Reay embraces 'one-off' role with Dreyer & Reinbold

Published

21 hours ago

May 14, 2024

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Ryan Hunter-Reay embraces 'one-off' role with Dreyer & Reinbold

SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WIBC) — The Indianapolis 500 means the possibility of drivers making the race that don’t compete on the full-time NTT IndyCar Series circuit. Every year among those drivers are those of the Dreyer & Reinbold Racing stable.

DRR is back once again and trying to make its 25th consecutive Indianapolis 500 while operating as a team that has mostly operated as a team with the sole purpose of racing in the “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

However, DRR is in a unique position this year with its budding partnership with Cusick Motorsports and other opportunities for growth.

Then, you add former IndyCar Series champion and 2014 Indianapolis 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay into the mix as a driver, along with fan favorite Conor Daly.

“It’s great to have Ryan back,” said DRR co-owner Dennis Reinbold. “As soon as the race was over last year, I told him, ‘Hey, if it works out we want you back,’ and it worked out.”

After starting 18th in last year’s race, Hunter-Reay was able to bring his No. 23 machine home in 11th. After his first year as a “one-off” driver with DRR he believes he is in the right spot for his career given how long he has been racing. Hunter-Reay turned 43 this past December.

“I love it. I really do. You have all these guys that are just absolutely dialing in on this one race,” Hunter-Reay said. “You don’t have all these folks being pulled in a million different directions. Right now the rest of the — pretty much the rest of the field is mid-season grind mode right now. These guys (other teams) are tired.”

Hunter-Reay did compete in more than one race last year, filling in for the remainder of the season after the Indy 500 when Ed Carpenter Racing brought him in. Coincidentally, ECR parted ways with Conor Daly and Hunter-Reay ended up taking the seat he left behind. Now Daly and Hunter-Reay are teammates at Dreyer & Reinbold.

The two were once teammates in their days at Andretti Autosport, now Andretti Global.

So, at 43, some may question how long Hunter-Reay thinks he can keep racing.

“I still feel like I’m 28, so I have no idea. It doesn’t even enter my mind,” he said. “I think about this race all the time. That’s what I really love about working with this team and with Dennis, as well, is he’s got that same passion about it that I do, for it that I do. As long as it’s one of the most important things for me and what I focus on, then I don’t really have an answer for you on that because I haven’t thought about it.”

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