AP

As the Saints convert Will Smith from a 4-3 defensive end to a 3-4 linebacker, his ability to make the transition hinges in many respects on his ability to play.

At least for right now, he can’t play.

Smith has gone to the locker room after suffering an apparent knee injury during Sunday’s preseason game against the Texans. The injury happened on a snap that resulted in a sack of Houston quarterback Matt Schaub by Cameron Jordan.

The 2004 first-round pick left the field on his own power and was evaluated by trainers before heading to the locker room, presumably for further examination.