SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Washington Football Team ruled out former Utah Utes quarterback Alex Smith from playing in the team’s NFC Wild Card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Washington is scheduled to host Tampa Bay on Saturday, January 9.

After missing a couple of games because of a calf strain, Smith returned to the field for Washington’s season finale win in Week 17.

Smith was still struggling with the injury leading up to the NFC Wild Card and was ruled out against the Bucs on January 9.

Taylor Heinicke will start at quarterback. Alex Smith is inactive pic.twitter.com/eS4nb6BMqW

— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) January 9, 2021

This season, Washington owns a 5-1 record when starting Smith at quarterback.

Smith has thrown for 1,582 yards, six touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

"Okay, he got some swag with him."

Taylor Heinicke is ready to go pic.twitter.com/JplXfdTDdE

— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) January 9, 2021

Washington is the No. 4 seed in the NFC playoffs after winning its division during the regular season.

Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).