Report: Washington QB Alex Smith Expected To Return To Practice Field
Dec 16, 2020, 11:48 AM
(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that former Utah Utes and current Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith is “expected to be on the field for practice” following a right leg injury in Week 14.
After starting against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, December 13, Smith did not play in the second half after suffering a leg injury.
On Wednesday, December 16, Rapoport said that Smith was working his way back.
“Washington QB Alex Smith (calf) is expected to be on the field for practice today, which is a good sign,” Rapoport tweeted. “It’s possible if he feels good enough, he could do individual drills. But he needs rest and rehab, not reps, so no one is pushing him to practice.”
Washington QB Alex Smith (calf) is expected to be on the field for practice today, which is a good sign. It’s possible if he feels good enough, he could do individual drills. But he needs rest and rehab, not reps, so no one is pushing him to practice.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 16, 2020
According to multiple reports, Smith did not participate in individual drills during practice on December 16 and Dwayne Haskins ran Washington’s first-team offense.
Practice update –
Alex Smith and Antonio Gibson not participating in individual drills.Dwayne Haskins taking first team reps at QB
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 16, 2020
In November 2018, Smith suffered a brutal season-ending injury to his right leg, the same leg injured against the Niner.
The injury resulted in more than a dozen surgeries and an infection that jeopardized not only his limb but his life.
Smith’s comeback reached its pinnacle this season as he made Washington’s active roster to begin the season.
On October 11, Washington quarterback Kyle Allen went out of a game due to an injury, and Smith was inserted into the game. It was his first time playing in an NFL game in two seasons.
A couple of weeks later, Allen suffered a season-ending injury.
Washingon head coach Ron Rivera named Smith the team’s starting quarterback.
Alex Smith got his first win since suffering his devastating leg injury two years ago.
Forever inspiring 👏 pic.twitter.com/soFXlbZimK
— ESPN (@espn) November 22, 2020
Since then, the former Utah star has started five contests.
Smith’s play has helped Washington to a 4-1 record in the games he’s started, including four straight victories.
From an injury that nearly ended his career to beating the undefeated Steelers.
What a journey for Alex Smith 👏 (h/t @JJWatt) pic.twitter.com/JIjcHXOC7o
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 8, 2020
This season, Smith has thrown for 1,420 yards, four touchdowns, and six interceptions with a 66.4 percent completion rate.
The team currently owns a 6-7 record this season and sits in first place in the NFC East.
Washington’s next game is against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, December 20 at 11 a.m. (MDT). The game will broadcast on FOX.
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).