:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17777893/20130604_hcs_sy4_016.0.jpg)
Earlier today, Gary Kubiak revealed that Pro Bowl left guard Wade Smith, thought to have suffered a relatively minor knee injury, is getting a second opinion after the knee failed to respond to treatment as well as the team hoped:
"Obviously, he banged knees, had his knee swell up on him, had a big bone bruise," head coach Gary Kubiak said Monday morning. "Hasn’t responded the last few days the way we wanted it. We’re re-evaluating him, having some other people look at it today."
"We were expecting him back in a few days, but it just didn’t happen," Kubiak said. I’m okay until I hear what’s next, but obviously there’s another step for us to take. Got to find out what’s going on here."
Ben Jones started in Smith's place against the Vikings last week, and there has been some talk of David Quessenberry looking good at guard in practice, but the Texans aren't exactly stacked with proven veteran depth at the position and are already dealing with questions on the right side of the offensive line. Rick Smith & Co. were proactive in addressing the uncertainty surrounding Wade Smith's health, shipping Jeff Maehl to Philadelphia in exchange for guard/tackle Nate Menkin this afternoon (h/t Jonathan Fosburgh).
Eagles now confirm trade: WR Jeff Maehl to Eagles. G Nate Menkin to Texans.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) August 12, 2013
The Texans originally signed Menkin as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2012, which would lead me to believe there was clearly something they liked about him as a fit for the zone blocking system. Maehl wasn't going to make the Texans' 53 man roster, so acquiring a player they liked at a position of need at Maehl's expense from Philadelphia (where Maehl will be reunited with his college coach, Chip Kelly) would seem to be a no-brainer.